Understanding UK Adequate Maintenance Requirements
Understanding adequate maintenance requirements is crucial for UK family visa applications and settlement routes. Our comprehensive calculator helps you determine whether your income and savings meet the Home Office financial requirements for bringing family members to the UK or extending your stay.
What is Adequate Maintenance?
Adequate maintenance refers to the financial requirements that UK visa applicants must meet to demonstrate they can support themselves and their family members without relying on public funds. This requirement applies to various family visa categories, including spouse visas, partner visas, and settlement applications under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules.
The adequate maintenance test ensures that applicants have sufficient financial resources to maintain themselves and their dependents at a level that prevents them from becoming a burden on the UK’s social welfare system.
Who Must Meet Adequate Maintenance Requirements?
Partners of British citizens or settled persons on the 5-year route to settlement under Appendix FM (and their children) are required to meet the financial requirement through adequate maintenance. However, exemptions apply in specific circumstances where the applicant’s partner or parent’s partner receives qualifying benefits.
Qualifying Benefits for Adequate Maintenance Exemption
If your partner receives one or more of the following benefits, you may be exempt from the minimum income requirement:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Industrial Injury Disablement Benefit
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- 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
Current Financial Requirements (2025)
The minimum income requirement varies depending on when you first applied:
For Applications Made On or After April 11, 2024
- Minimum annual income: £29,000
- With one child: Additional requirements apply
- With additional children: £2,400 per child above the first
For Extensions and ILR Applications (Before April 11, 2024)
- Minimum annual income: £18,600
- With one child: £22,400
- With additional children: £2,400 per child above the first
How Savings Count Towards Adequate Maintenance
If your income falls short of the requirement, savings can help bridge the gap:
- Only savings above £16,000 count towards the requirement
- Savings must be held for at least 6 months before application
- The calculation divides qualifying savings by 2.5 to determine annual contribution
- Formula: Required savings = £16,000 + (income shortfall × 2.5)
Evidence Requirements for Adequate Maintenance
Following the Upper Tribunal case of Ahmed [benefits; proof of receipt; evidence] Bangladesh [2013] UKUT 84 [IAC], the Home Office must provide detailed financial evidence in all refusal decisions based on inadequate maintenance. Decision-makers must clearly set out the applicant’s financial position when refusing applications for:
- Entry clearance
- Leave to remain
- Further leave to remain
- Indefinite leave to remain
Common Adequate Maintenance Issues
Insufficient Documentation
Many applications fail due to inadequate financial evidence. We ensure all required documents are properly prepared and submitted.
Benefit Exemption Claims
Proving eligibility for benefit exemptions requires specific documentation and legal expertise to avoid refusal.
Savings Requirements
Understanding the 6-month rule and £16,000 threshold is crucial for successful applications.
Combined Income Sources
Calculating acceptable income from multiple sources, including overseas employment, self-employment, and investments.
Professional Guidance for Adequate Maintenance
Our experienced immigration solicitors provide comprehensive support for adequate maintenance requirements:
- Application Assessment: Thorough review of your financial position
- Document Preparation: Ensuring all evidence meets Home Office standards
- Benefit Exemption Claims: Expert guidance on qualifying benefits
- Appeal Support: Representation for refused applications
- Settlement Planning: Long-term immigration strategy
Next Steps
Use our adequate maintenance calculator above to assess your financial position. For complex situations or if you’re unsure about your eligibility, our immigration experts are here to help with your family visa application.
Important Disclaimers:
- This calculator is for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon without professional legal advice
- We endeavour to keep all information updated, but government figures are subject to change
- Results should always be confirmed with current Immigration Rules and professional guidance
Need expert assistance with your adequate maintenance requirements? Contact our specialist immigration team today for personalised advice on your family visa or settlement application.