Jasmine Birtles
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Thousands of Couples Missing Out on Free HMRC Cash: Are You Claiming Marriage Allowance in 2026?
Vicky Parry
26th Feb 2026
Marriage Allowance could be worth up to £252 a year — and you can backdate your claim for even more. Yet thousands of eligible couples still don’t claim this simple tax break. Here’s who can get it, how it works, and how to claim today.
If you’re married or in a civil partnership, you could be missing out on one of the easiest bits of “free money” available from HMRC — and many couples don’t even realise it exists.
Marriage Allowance lets you transfer part of your Personal Allowance to your partner, potentially saving up to £252 a year in tax. Better still, you can backdate your claim for several years, meaning some couples could receive a handy lump sum.
With household budgets still stretched in 2026, now is the perfect time to check whether you’re eligible.
What is Marriage Allowance?
Marriage Allowance is a UK tax break for married couples and civil partners where one person earns less than the Personal Allowance threshold.
For the 2025/26 tax year, the Personal Allowance remains £12,570. If one partner earns less than this, they can transfer £1,260 of their unused allowance to their spouse or civil partner — reducing the higher earner’s tax bill.
This can cut their tax by up to £252 a year.
It may not sound huge, but it’s money you’re already entitled to — and if you’ve never claimed before, you could receive backdated payments too.
Why so many couples don’t claim
Despite being available for years, Marriage Allowance remains one of the most underclaimed tax perks in the UK.
There are a few reasons why:
- Many people simply don’t know it exists
- Some assume they won’t qualify
- Others think the process will be complicated
- Couples often assume HMRC applies it automatically (it doesn’t)
In reality, claiming takes just a few minutes online — and once it’s set up, it usually continues automatically each year.
With the cost of living still high in 2026, checking now could give your household finances a small but welcome boost.
Who is eligible for Marriage Allowance?
You may be able to claim Marriage Allowance if:
- You are married or in a civil partnership
- One partner earns less than £12,570 a year
- The higher earner pays basic rate tax (earning between £12,571 and £50,270)
- You were both born after 6 April 1935
You won’t qualify if the higher earner pays higher-rate or additional-rate tax.
It doesn’t matter if you own a home, have children or receive other benefits — Marriage Allowance is separate and won’t affect most other payments.
How much could you get?
For the current tax year, Marriage Allowance is worth up to £252.
However, the real boost comes from backdating.
You can usually backdate your claim up to four tax years. That means some couples could receive a lump sum worth over £1,000 if they’ve been eligible but not claiming.
HMRC will either:
- Adjust your tax code going forward
- Send a cheque for any backdated payments
- Or pay the money directly into your bank account
How to claim Marriage Allowance
Claiming is straightforward and can be done online in minutes.
The lower earner (the person earning under £12,570) must make the application. You’ll need:
- Both partners’ National Insurance numbers
- Proof of identity (such as a passport or driving licence)
- Basic income details
Once approved, HMRC will adjust the higher earner’s tax code to reflect the new allowance.
If your circumstances change — for example if the lower earner starts earning more — you can cancel the allowance at any time.
Can unmarried couples claim?
No. Marriage Allowance is only available to couples who are legally married or in a civil partnership.
If you live together but aren’t married or in a civil partnership, you won’t qualify — even if you share finances or have children.
This is one reason some couples choose to formalise their relationship, as the tax savings can add up over time.
Is it worth claiming?
Absolutely. Marriage Allowance won’t make you rich, but it’s one of the simplest tax breaks available — and once it’s set up, it continues automatically unless your circumstances change.
At a time when every pound counts, it’s well worth checking if you’re eligible. Even a couple of hundred pounds could help with rising bills, groceries or a small treat.
And if you can backdate your claim, you could receive a useful lump sum that’s been sitting there waiting for you.
Don’t assume it’s automatic
One of the biggest misconceptions is that HMRC will apply Marriage Allowance automatically if you qualify. It won’t.
You have to apply — but once you do, the process is simple and ongoing.
If you’re married or in a civil partnership, take five minutes today to check. You might discover there’s money waiting with your name on it.
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