Other people in your household
What is a non-dependant?
A non-dependant is a person, 18 or over, who lives in your home, or is using your home as their main home on a noncommercial basis. For example, an adult son, daughter, relative or friend can be a non-dependant.
A non-dependant does not have to be a family member. Boarders, sub-tenants and joint tenants are not non-dependants.
Where to find help
- Online: contact us online form
- Email: benefits@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
- Post: Revenues and Benefits Department, PO Box 187, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH34 9DB
- Telephone: 0300 123 7021
Will my Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction be affected if I have a non-dependant living with me?
If you have a non-dependant living in your home, we may have to reduce your Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction. This is called a non-dependant deduction. The Government expects non-dependants to pay a share of your housing costs and your Council Tax, and lays down set amounts which we must take off your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction in some cases.
Are there any cases where no deduction for non-dependants is made?
Council Tax Reduction
We will not make a charge if:
- you, or your partner, are receiving Attendance Allowance;
- you, or your partner, are registered blind or have recently regained your sight;
- you, or your partner, receive the care component of Disability Living Allowance;
- you, or your partner, receive the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment;
- your non-dependant is a full-time student, or receives a work based training allowance;
- your non-dependant is in receipt of Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based), Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related), Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit;
- your non-dependant has been in hospital for more than 52 weeks; or
- your non-dependant is in prison, or normally lives elsewhere.
Housing Benefit
We will not make a charge if:
- you, or your partner, are receiving Attendance Allowance;
- you, or your partner, are registered blind or have recently regained your sight;
- you, or your partner, receive the care component of Disability Living Allowance;
- you, or your partner, receive the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment;
- your non-dependant is a full-time student, or receives a work based training allowance;
- your non-dependant is in receipt of Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based), Employment and Support Allowance (Income Related) and are aged under 25;
- your non-dependant is in receipt of Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit;
- your non-dependant has been in hospital for more than 52 weeks; or
- your non-dependant is in prison, or normally lives elsewhere.
You can always check with us if you're not sure.
Do I have to make my non-dependant pay a share?
It's up to you. But, whatever you do, the law says we have to take a fixed amount off your benefit/reduction each week.
The non-dependant deduction is based on their gross weekly income - that is, their pay before deductions like tax and National Insurance, and any other income they have, including any benefits they get.
Even if they pay you nothing, we usually have to make the deduction unless certain rules apply.
Does the money non-dependants pay for their keep count as income for the person claiming Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction?
No, this money is not treated as your income. Instead, a fixed deduction is made from your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, based on the non-dependant's gross weekly income.
What should I do if I have a non-dependant living with me?
You should let us know if somebody has moved into, or out of your home because it may affect your Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction.
If you have a non-dependant who changes jobs, has an increase or decrease in their earnings or income, receives any state benefits, or has any changes at all in their circumstances, you should let us know straightaway. If you're not sure, just check with us. Please see:
Non-dependant's income
We need to see proof of their income so that we can deduct the correct amount. If we do not get that information, we will have to take the highest amount off your Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction, which will increase the amount of rent or Council Tax (or both) you have to pay.
Here are some examples of proof of income that non-dependants can supply:
- An award letter from Job Centre Plus, or a payment book showing what benefits they receive
- Payslips
- A completed employer's certificate of earnings (We can supply certificate of earnings forms)
- A set of accounts, if your non-dependant is self-employed
- A student award letter if they are a student
If you don't know what proof to give us, just ask. We will write and let you know how their income affects your Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction.
What can I do if I don't agree with your decision?
If you don't agree with our decision, you can ask us to look at it again. Our letters tell you what your rights are. Please see: