Non-dependant deductions from your benefits

If you live with other adults who count as non-dependants, your benefits may be reduced. Check who is counted and if you could be exempt.

Who is counted as a non-dependant

A non-dependant is an adult who is not your partner and who lives with you on an informal basis. This means they’re not on the tenancy agreement and you’re not subletting to them.

Non-dependants can include grown-up children, relatives or friends who live with you. They're expected to help out with the cost of your rent and council tax.

If you get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or council tax reduction, some money will be taken from your benefits for each non-dependant who lives with you. This is called a non-dependant deduction or a housing cost contribution.

Who is not counted

Some people are never counted as non-dependants:

your partner
a joint tenant who pays rent to the landlord
a subtenant or lodger with an agreement to pay rent to you

Who is exempt from non-dependant deductions

You could be exempt if you, or the non-dependant who lives with you, get certain benefits.

The exemptions depend on which benefit pays your housing costs.

Universal Credit exemptions

You're exempt from non-dependant deductions if you or your partner are registered blind.

You're also exempt if you, your partner, or the non-dependant who lives with you get any of these benefits:

the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment
the middle or high rate care component of Disability Living Allowance or Child Disability Payment
Attendance Allowance
Armed Forces Independence Payment

The non-dependent who lives with you is also exempt if they're:

under 21
getting Pension Credit or Carer's Allowance
a carer for a child under 5
your child or step-child who is away on operations in the Armed Forces
in prison
getting Pension Credit or Carer's Allowance

Housing Benefit exemptions

You're exempt from non-dependant deductions if you or your partner are registered blind.

You're also exempt if you or your partner get any of these benefits:

the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment
the care component of Disability Living Allowance or Child Disability Payment
Attendance Allowance
Armed Forces Independence Payment

The non-dependant who lives with you is exempt if they:

get Pension Credit
are a full-time student, except during the summer if they’re working
get a training allowance
have been in hospital for 52 weeks or more
are in prison
are under 25, out of work, and getting Universal Credit
are under 25 and get Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Income Support

How much will be deducted from your benefits

If you get the housing element of Universal Credit, the deduction is £91.47 per month for each non-dependant who lives with you.

If you get Housing Benefit, the deduction depends on the non-dependant’s income. Check your council’s website for the amounts that apply to you.

If you cannot afford rent because of non-dependant deductions

Ask the person living with you if they can contribute to the rent and council tax. Any money you get from them will not count as income for your benefits.

If they cannot afford to pay anything, apply for Discretionary Housing Payment to cover the difference. The council will decide if you’re eligible based on your circumstances.

If you think you should be exempt

Contact Citizens Advice. An adviser can make sure you're getting the right benefits and help you challenge a benefits decision. They can also help you find grants and reduce your costs.

Last updated: 6 May 2024