A non dependant is someone who normally lives with the housing benefit and / or local council tax reduction scheme claimant such as an adult son, daughter, relative or friend.

Boarders, sub-tenants and joint tenants are not non-dependants because they have a legally binding and commercial agreement to pay rent.

Non-dependants cannot claim housing benefit and / or local council tax reduction because they do not have a legally binding agreement to pay rent or council tax. An amount that a non dependant may pay for their keep is not considered to be "legally binding".

No. This money is not treated as the claimant's income. Instead a fixed deduction is made from the claimant's entitlement to housing benefit and / or local council tax reduction. The amount of this deduction is dependant upon the non dependant's circumstances. Generally the more income a non dependant receives the higher the deduction.

The amount of any deduction is based upon the non dependant's circumstances not on the amount paid. If the non dependant pays nothing, a deduction based upon their circumstances will still apply.

The levels of deduction are shown below.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes. No deduction applies for any non-dependant if the housing benefit and / or local council tax reduction claimant or any partner is:

• registered Blind
• in receipt of Severe Disablement Allowance
• in receipt of the care component of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance
• in receipt of Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance

or if the non-dependant:

• is under 18
• is under 25 and on Income Support / Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based)
• is on a Youth Training Scheme
• is a full time student
• normally lives elsewhere

Non Dependant Deductions 2023/24 .pdf (380.96 KB)

For further information about non dependants please contact our benefit helpline number on 01543-464292 or alternatively email benefits@cannockchasedc.gov.uk