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Non-dependants

Who counts as a non-dependant?

A non-dependant is usually a relative or friend over the age of 18 years who lives in your home. For example, grown up sons or daughters, or parents.

We may deduct money from your benefit for a non-dependant because they are expected to pay you something towards your housing costs. The amount we deduct will depend on whether they are working and, if so, their weekly gross income.

Non-dependants do not include:

  • your partner;
  • a child you get Child Benefit for;
  • anyone under the age of 18 years ;
  • anyone in full-time education; or
  • anyone on a youth training scheme.

We will not make a non-dependant deduction:

  • if you, or your partner, get Attendance Allowance;
  • if you, or your partner, get the care part of Disability Living Allowance;
  • if you, or your partner, are registered blind;
  • if the non-dependant is a paid carer provided by a charitable or voluntary organisation;
  • if the non-dependant is under 25 years of age, and getting Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, or the assessment phase of Income-related Employment Support Allowance;
  • for Council Tax benefit only, if the non-dependant is over 25 years of age, and getting Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, or Income-related Employment Support Allowance;
  • if the non-dependant is getting Pension Credit;
  • if you are over 65 years old, for the first 26 weeks after a non-dependant moves in.

Non-dependant deduction rates for 2011 and 2012.

Page last updated on 24 May 2012