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> Home > Housing Help > Housing Benefit > Non-dependents

Non-dependents

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What is a Non-Dependant?

A non-dependant is someone who:

  • lives with you
  • is not your partner 
  • is not a child you receive Child Benefit for

This would include an elderly relative or adult child(ren).

Non-dependants does not include:

  • boarders
  • lodgers
  • tenants, joint tenants or sub-tenants
  • professional carers
  • visitors whose normal home is elsewhere

 

How would a non-dependant affect your claim for Housing Benefit

If there is a non-dependant in your home, we may deduct an amount from your Housing Benefit.

This is because we expect them to help with your household costs. This is even if your non-dependant makes no contribution to your household’s expenses.

For a non-dependant couple in your household we will only take one amount. This includes people who are married to each other or living together.

Exceptions

We will not make deductions if you (or your partner) is:

  • registered blind
  • receiving Attendance Allowance
  • receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) care
  • receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) daily living component

We will not make deductions if your non-dependant is:

  • receiving pension credit
  • is on a training course
  • is a prisoner for more than 52 weeks
  • is a full time student
  • has been in hospital for more than 52 weeks.
  • is under 25 years old and gets:
    • Income Support;
    • Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based);
    • Employment and Support Allowance assessment phase, or
    • Universal Credit with no earned income.

 

How much is deducted for a non-dependant

The amount taken off your Housing Benefit award will depend on the non-dependant’s income.

We will need proof of their income; otherwise we may apply the highest rate of deduction.

Click on the tables below for the current weekly deductions made for rent and rates which depend on the non-dependant's circumstances.

Circumstances

  • Aged < 25 and in receipt of Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance (IB): NIL

  • Aged < 25 and in receipt of ESA (IR) with no Support Component and not in WRAG: NIL

  • Aged < 25 and in receipt of Universal Credit calculated on the basis of no earned income: NIL

  • In receipt of Pension Credit: NIL

  • Full time student: NIL

  • In receipt of main phase ESA (IR): £19.65 per week

  • Aged 25 or over and in receipt of IS or JSA IB): £19.65 per week

  • Aged 18 or over and not working 16 hrs or more per week: £19.65 per week

Circumstances

  • Gross income – less than £183.00 per week: £19.65
  • Gross income - £183 to £265.99 per week: £45.15
  • Gross income - £266 to £347.99 per week: £62.00
  • Gross income - £348 to £462.99 per week: £101.35
  • Gross income - £463 to £576.99 per week: £115.45
  • Gross income - £577 or more per week: £126.65

Circumstances

  • In receipt of Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance (IB): NIL
  • In receipt of ESA (IR) with no Support Component and not in WRAG: NIL
  • In receipt of Universal Credit calculated on the basis of no earned income: NIL
  • In receipt of Pension Credit: NIL
  • Full time student: NIL
  • Aged < 18 and not working: NIL
  • In receipt of main phase ESA (IR): £3.30
  • Aged 18 or over and not working 16 hrs or more per week: £3.30

Circumstances

  • Gross income less than £183 per week: £3.30
  • Gross income £183 to £315.99 per week: £6.55
  • Gross income £316 to £393.99 per week: £8.25
  • Gross income £394 or more per week: £9.90

You can use the Housing Benefit Calculator to see how a non-dependant may affect your claim. This calculation will only give you an indication of how much you might receive, it is not the actual amount.

Change in Circumstances

It is vital if you have a change in circumstances (for example, if the non-dependant moves out or one moves in) you tell us immediately.  This may affect your Housing Benefit.

You can do this by using our online:

 

The information in this section is for general advice only. 

Contact your local Housing Benefit office if you have any queries.

Find your nearest:

 

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Making a claim for Housing Benefit