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<p>When couples make a joint claim to Universal Credit, both are responsible for servicing
the claim, and both benefit from the claim. A single payment of Universal Credit enables
a household to clearly see the effect of their decisions about work on total household
income. The Government believes that people within a household are best placed to
make the money management choices that are most appropriate for them and a single
payment enables them to do just that.</p><p> </p><p>Additionally, Universal Credit
is designed to mirror work so that when claimants enter work there are only a minimal
number of changes for claimants to undergo. As employers pay employees and do not
divide salary payments amongst households, the UC payment arrangements mirror that.</p><p>
</p><p>Research carried out for the Department for Work and Pensions suggest that
only 2 per cent of married couples and 7 per cent of cohabiting couples keep their
finances completely separate, so these arrangements fit with how the majority of people
organise their lives. In exceptional circumstances, if a couple do not agree on an
account into which their Universal Credit is to be paid, a decision maker in the Department
will nominate a person in the household. This is to ensure protection for the welfare
of the family.</p><p> </p>
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