Non-dependants

A non-dependant is usually someone who lives with you, such as an adult son or daughter, relative or friend.

Non-dependants cannot claim Housing Benefit for any payments that they make to you.

The following do not count as non-dependants:

• Sub-tenants, lodgers and boarders - who make a to you payment to occupy your property.
• Children aged up to 20 years for whom you or your partner receive child benefit.
• Joint tenants - they will have to claim Housing or Council Tax Support in their own right.

If in doubt about someone's status in your household, contact us for advice.

A weekly deduction will be made based on your non-dependant’s circumstances.

If your non-dependants are a couple then one deduction will be made based on their joint income.

2024/25 deductions can be found on the non-dependant deductions 2024/25 webpage.

When are non-dependant deductions not made?

No deduction is made if you or your partner are:

• Registered blind
• In receipt of Attendance Allowance
• In receipt of the Care Component of Disability Living Allowance or any rate of the Daily Living component of Personal Independence Payments.

No deduction is made if the non-dependant is:

For Housing Benefit

• aged under 18 or is still in full time education
• on a youth training scheme
• normally living elsewhere
• is receiving Pension Credits
• is under 25 and receiving Universal Credit with no earned income.is under 25 and receiving Income Support,Income Based Job Seekers Allowanceor Income Related Employment and Support Allowance (assessment phase)
• in prison or otherwise detained
• has been in hospital for more than 52 weeks
• is receiving Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related).

For Council Tax support:

• aged under 18 or is still in full time education
• on a youth training scheme
• normally living elsewhere
• is any age and receiving Income Support, Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance or an Income Related Employment and Support Allowance
• has been in hospital for more than 52 weeks
• is receiving Universal Credit with no earned income.

If you or your partner are 66 years of age of over and a non-dependant moves in with you no deduction will be taken for the first 26 weeks that they live with you but you must still tell us as soon as they move in.