Subsection (1) outlines that regulations may allow for an increase in benefits or assistance, excluding supplementary welfare allowance, for a claimant or beneficiary who would qualify for this increase if their spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant did not have income exceeding a defined limit. The regulations governing this entitlement are to specify that any increase provided under these provisions will be at a rate lower than the applicable rate detailed in Schedules 2 or 4.

Subsection (2) stipulates that the rate of increase may vary in relation to the extent to which the income of the spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant surpasses the prescribed limit. Furthermore, in this context, the term 'benefit' refers explicitly to the benefits outlined under Part 2 of the legislation.