A non-dependant is a person who lives with you but is not liable for paying rent under a formal arrangement.
If you live with a non-dependant your housing benefit, Universal Credit housing element and Council Tax reduction may be reduced through rules on non-dependant deductions. In Universal Credit these are called housing cost contributions.
Who counts as a non-dependant?
A non-dependant is a person who:
- resides with you; and
- is over 18; and
- is not your partner or dependent child; and
- is not liable for paying the rent (or council tax for Council Tax support/reduction)
Universal Credit
Under Universal Credit rules there is a flat rate contribution (deduction) each month regardless of the non-dependant’s income, for 2022/23 this is £77.87 a month.
Housing benefit
When calculating housing benefit, the rate of non-dependant deduction depends on whether the non-dependant is a student or claims benefits (and which one), or works more than 16 hours a week and, if so, their gross income.
You can find out more about what this may mean for you and further information about exemptions here.