A policy by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is resulting in significant financial losses for single mothers who marry or cohabit with their child’s father. Known as the “couple penalty,” this rule can leave women nearly £10,000 a year worse off, according to a recent report from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ).
The CSJ highlights a case of a 30-year-old unemployed mother with a one-year-old child. If she marries or moves in with the child’s father earning £20,000 annually, her benefits would drop by £5,700 a year. Should his income increase to £30,000, the loss could reach £9,600 annually. This stark reduction discourages marriage and cohabitation, despite their benefits for family stability.
In its report, The Stability Advantage, researcher Dr. Harry Benson challenges the assumption that marriage does not significantly reduce the risk of relationship breakdown. The evidence points to marriage as a key factor for stable family units and positive outcomes for children.
Sophia Worringer, deputy research director at the CSJ, emphasizes: “Families should not be made poorer for making a lasting commitment to one another. Marriage is one of the clearest indicators that parents will stay together, and children benefit when they grow up in stable households. Our welfare and tax system should reward commitment, not penalise it.”
Responding to the report, a DWP spokesperson highlighted government initiatives aiming to reduce poverty by encouraging employment and supporting vulnerable families. Programs such as the Pathways to Work advisers, a £3.5 billion investment to help sick and disabled people into jobs, and a landmark Child Poverty Strategy promise progress. This strategy includes expanding free school meals, childcare support, and a £1 billion Crisis and Resilience Fund designed to prevent families from falling into poverty.
Despite these efforts, critics argue that until the “couple penalty” is addressed, many families will continue to face a financial disincentive to marriage, potentially undermining child welfare and family stability goals.