Question 1

Who is eligible for Marriage Allowance?

Accepted Answer

Marriage Allowance is available to married couples or civil partners where one partner earns no more than their Personal Allowance (£12,570 in 2025/26) and the other earns in the basic rate tax band (up to £37,700 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; up to £31,092 in Scotland). Scottish intermediate rate taxpayers (21%) are also eligible as recipients.

Question 2

How much can I save with Marriage Allowance?

Accepted Answer

The annual saving is £252 (20% of the £1,260 transfer allowance for 2025/26). You can also claim backdating for up to four years, meaning a total maximum claim of £1,260 if all four prior years are available and you qualify for all of them.

Question 3

How do I claim Marriage Allowance?

Accepted Answer

You apply through GOV.UK at gov.uk/apply-marriage-allowance. You'll need both partners' National Insurance numbers and (if backdating) confirmation of when you first became eligible. The process is free and usually takes a few minutes.

Question 4

Can I backdate my Marriage Allowance claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can claim backdating for up to four years as long as both you and your partner were eligible during those years (one non-taxpayer, one basic rate or intermediate rate). Each year's claim is worth £252. Our calculator shows the total backdating value available to you.

Marriage Allowance Eligibility Checker

Partner A

Partner B

Not Eligible