Non Dependants

Non-dependants
A non-dependant is someone who is aged 18 or over, and who normally lives with you, but is NOT:

  • your husband/wife/partner;
  • a child for whom you get Child Benefit; and
  • someone jointly liable to pay rent and/or Council Tax with you

An example would be a grown-up son or daughter or other relative.  The regulations say that we must reduce housing benefit by a set amount* each week for each non-dependant who is living with you.  The amount of the “non-dependant deduction” depends on the income of the non-dependant, not on the amount they pay you.

* The amount of the deduction is set by Central Government.

If no proof of non-dependant income is provided, the highest deduction will be taken.
If you are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance, a non-dependant deduction will not be taken.  You must provide proof that you receive this income.

A non-dependant deduction is made for each non-dependant person in the household.

Page last updated on 15 December 2011