Who counts as a non-dependant?
A non-dependant is someone who lives with you and is not dependant on you for financial support. Non-dependants might be an adult son or daughter, an elderly relative, a friend or a relation.
We don’t count people who are visiting for a few weeks. We don't count children under 18 or a child you currently receive child benefit for. We also don't count a paid carer who lives with you and cares for you or your partner. Students don't count (although we may count them if they work during the summer months).
Non-dependants moving in or out
If one or more non-dependants live with you, it may affect the amount of housing benefit or council tax support you’re entitled to.
You will need to provide proof of a non-dependant’s income.
You can tell us:
- whether a non-dependant has moved in or out of your home
- about a change to the circumstances of a non-dependant living with you
To do so, please complete a change in circumstances form . Or ring our benefits advice line on 0300 1234 121. You will need to tell us:
- the date they moved in or out
- the date that their circumstances changed
- their full name
- their date of birth
- their National Insurance Number
- the address they have moved from/to
- their income and capital details
How is my housing benefit or council tax support affected?
If the non-dependant is in one of the groups below, your awards will reduce by the amount shown. The amount we use is the non-dependant’s weekly income before tax and deductions. If two non-dependants are partners, we take the higher of the deductions that apply and don’t count the other partner.
Weekly amounts for housing benefit from April 2024
Aged 18 or over and not in paid work (over 16 hours) - Deduction of £19.30 from housing benefit.
If the non-dependant is working full time and receives:
| Gross weekly income | Deduction from housing benefit |
|---|---|
| Less than £176.00 | £19.30 |
| Between £176.00 - £255.99 | £44.40 |
| Between £256.00 - £333.99 | £60.95 |
| Between £334.00 - £444.99 | £99.65 |
| Between £445.00 - £553.99 | £113.50 |
| £554.00 or more | £124.55 |
Weekly amounts for Council Tax Support from April 2024
Aged 18 or over and not in paid work (over 16 hours) - Deduction of £4.90 from council tax support.
If the non-dependant is working full time and receives:
| Gross weekly income | Deduction from council tax support |
|---|---|
| Less than £256.00 | £4.90 |
| Between £256.00 - £434.99 | £10.05 |
| Between £435.00 - £553.99 | £12.60 |
| £554.00 or more | £15.10 |
