Non Dependents

Find out the current non dependant deductions.

Who are non-dependants?

Non-dependants are adults who normally share your accommodation with you but are not dependent on you for financial support.

Examples of non-dependants could be:

•  Grown up children who still live with you
•  Other adult relatives who live with you
•  Adult friends who live with you.

People not treated as non-dependants because they are not counted as part of your household include:

• Carers employed by a charity that charges for the service
• Joint tenants
• Sub-tenants, or tenants of people who own their house
• Boarders
• Landlords’ or landladies and their families.

Why are non-dependants important in housing benefit and council tax support?

The law says that we must take a set amount off your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support for each non-dependant who lives with you. There are six different amounts depending on the income of the non-dependant.

Non-dependants are expected to pay towards the household costs, and some of what they pay will be for the rent or council tax. A deduction is made from your housing benefit or council tax support because of this, even if the non-dependant doesn’t pay you.

When are non-dependants deductions not made?

Non-dependant deductions are not made where:

• You or your partner are registered blind or treated as blind
• You or your partner are getting the care component of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance for you or your partner
• The non-dependant is under 18
• The non-dependant’s normal home is somewhere else
• The non-dependant is a full-time student. For housing benefit, but not council tax benefit, deductions may be made during the summer vacation
• The non-dependant is a prisoner
• The non-dependant has been a patient in hospital for 52 weeks or more
•  In council tax support the non-dependant is on Income Support or Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance
•  In housing benefit the non-dependant is under 25 and on Income Support or Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance.

If you wish to view the non dependant deductions please see below (in related documents).