Applicants Exempt from the Financial Requirement – Appendix FM 1.7a Adequate Maintenance & Accommodation
While most UK Spouse Visa applicants must meet the financial requirement outlined in Appendix FM, certain applicants may be exempt from this rule. Instead, they must demonstrate that they can provide adequate maintenance and accommodation without relying on public funds. Here’s an overview of the exemptions and how to meet the adequate maintenance and accommodation requirements.
Exemptions from the Financial Requirement:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment or Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
- Constant Attendance Allowance, Mobility Supplement or War Disablement Pension under the War Pensions Scheme
If the UK sponsor receives any of the above-listed benefits, they are exempt from the financial requirement and must meet the adequate maintenance and accommodation requirements instead.
Adequate Maintenance:
To demonstrate adequate maintenance, the sponsor’s income (including benefits, pensions, or other income sources) must be enough to support their partner without relying on public funds. The income should be equal to or greater than the Income Support level for a couple with no children, plus any additional amount required for dependent children. For 2023-2024, the Income Support level for a couple is £133.30 per week, but this figure may change, so check the latest rates before applying.
Applicants must provide evidence of their income, benefits, and any other financial resources, such as:
- Benefit award letters
- Bank statements
- Payslips (if applicable)
- Pension statements
- Evidence of other income sources
Adequate Accommodation:
To satisfy the accommodation requirement, applicants must prove they have suitable housing available in the UK for themselves, their partner, and any dependents. The accommodation must not be overcrowded and must meet the public health regulations.
Evidence of adequate accommodation may include:
- Tenancy agreements or mortgage statements
- A letter from the property owner confirming permission for the applicant to reside there
- Council tax bills or utility bills as proof of residence
- Photos or a property inspection report to demonstrate the property’s suitability
In summary, applicants who are exempt from the Appendix FM Financial Requirement must demonstrate that they can provide adequate maintenance and accommodation for their partner and any dependents without relying on public funds. By providing the necessary evidence and meeting these requirements, exempt applicants can improve their chances of a successful UK Spouse Visa application.
How much income should you show if you have children applying with your partner?
When applying for a UK Spouse Visa with children as dependents, the minimum income requirement increases to ensure that you can financially support your family without relying on public funds. The Appendix FM Financial Requirement outlines the necessary income levels for applicants with dependent children. Here’s a breakdown of the additional income needed to satisfy the requirement:
- Minimum Income Threshold: The base minimum income threshold for sponsoring a partner (without children) is £18,600 per year.
- Additional Income for Children: If you have dependent children applying with your partner, the minimum income threshold increases as follows:
- For the first dependent child: an additional £3,800 per year.
- For each additional dependent child: an extra £2,400 per year.
For example, if you have one child applying with your partner, the minimum income requirement would be £18,600 + £3,800 = £22,400 per year. If you have two children, the requirement would be £18,600 + £3,800 + £2,400 = £24,800 per year.
3. Income Sources: You can use various income sources to meet the increased financial requirement, such as:
- Employment or self-employment income of the UK sponsor.
- The applicant’s income from employment or self-employment if they have permission to work in the UK.
- Non-employment income (e.g., rental income, dividends, or interest from savings).
- Cash savings over £16,000 (subtract £16,000 from your total savings, then divide the result by 2.5 to calculate the amount that can be added to your annual income).
- Pensions.
In conclusion, when applying for a UK Spouse Visa with children as dependents, you must show a higher income to meet the financial requirement. Make sure you calculate the correct income threshold based on the number of dependent children and provide the necessary evidence from various income sources to improve your chances of a successful application.