Non-dependant deductions
An adult person who normally lives in your house, who is not your partner may be a non-dependent. Non-dependents are expected to contribute towards your rent and/or Council Tax.
If you have other people living with you, and you are claiming Housing Benefit, your entitlement may be reduced by a non-dependent deduction.
Non-dependents can be the following:
- grown-up children who no-one receives child benefit for
- relatives or family friends staying with you without a formal tenancy agreement
People who are not non-dependents:
- your partner
- foster children
- children you receive Child Benefit for
- lodger, boarder or tenant who pays you rent
- anyone who is jointly liable for the rent and/or Council Tax
- your live-in landlord
Deductions for non-dependents
You will not have a deduction made from your Housing Benefit for your non-dependent if one of the following applies:
- you (or your partner) are certified blind or severely sight impaired
- you (or your partner) receive Attendance Allowance, the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
You will also not have a deduction made from your Housing Benefit if your non-dependent falls into one of the following categories:
- is a full time student
- is under 18
You will also not get a deduction if your non-dependent is under 25 and:
- isn't earning anything and receives Universal Credit – GOV.UK
- receives Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) – GOV.UK
- receives Income Support – GOV.UK
- receives Pension Credit – GOV.UK
The non-dependent deduction is based on their income so it is important that you ensure that the council has accurate and up to date information about their income.