Tapering of Benefits
(Married/Civil Union/Cohabiting as per provisions of the Cohabitation Act 2017)
Overview
Beneficiaries in receipt of Social Assistance or Unemployment Assistance or Single Unmarried Parent Assistance or Special Unemployment Benefit for a period of 1 year in the last 3 years and contract a marriage or civil union or a cohabitation (Cap. 571.) with an employed person whose earnings are equal to the weekly National Minimum Wage or more.
What you’ll get
The awarded Tapering of Benefits rate is a percentage of the last Social Benefit rate awarded excluding bonuses:
- 65% of the benefit rate for the first year
- 45% of the benefit rate for the second year
- 25% of the benefit rate for the third year
Beneficiaries are paid in arrears every 4 weeks.
You may make use of an online Calculator to calculate your potential entitlement of the Tapering of Benefits.
Eligibility
General eligibility criteria:
Applicants who are in receipt of Social Assistance or Unemployment Assistance or Single Unmarried Parent Assistance or Special Unemployment Benefit Social Assistance for 1 year in the last 3 years prior to their date of Marriage or Civil Union or Cohabiting and the spouse is gainfully occupied earning the weekly National Minimum Wage or more.
Documentation required
General documentation:
- A registered and insinuated Certificate of Civil Union from the Public Registry (where applicable)
- A registered and insinuated Certificate of Cohabitation from the Public Registry (where applicable)
How to apply
Fill in and submit the application online.