Benefits claims - other adults

If anyone over 18 years old (apart from a partner) lives with you and does not reply on you for financial support, they are referred to as a 'non-dependant'. Living with a non-dependant can affect your benefits.

Who counts as a non-dependant?

Non-dependants are people who share your accommodation but are not dependent on you for financial help. They could include grown-up sons or daughters and elderly relatives.

Boarders, sub-tenants and joint tenants are not non-dependants.

Can non-dependants claim Housing Benefit?

No. Non-dependants cannot claim Housing Benefit for any payments they make to you.

How do non-dependants affect my benefits?

Depending on their circumstances and income, you may have some money deducted. Any deductions are not related to what the non-dependant pays to you. They are fixed sums based on the non-dependant's gross weekly income, and are made even if he or she does not actually give you any money to make up for the reduction.

• Deduction amounts 2014/2015(pdf, 19KB)

Are there any exceptions?

Yes. No deductions are made if you or your partner is:

• Registered Blind
• Receiving Attendance Allowance
• Receiving the care component of Disability Living Allowance (at any rate)

No deductions are made if the non-dependant is:

• Receiving Pension Credit
• Aged under 18
• Aged under 25 and on Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based)
• Aged under 25 and in the assessment phase (first 13 weeks) of Employment Support Allowance (income related)
• A prisoner
• A student (There is a deduction in the summer vacation if they take up paid employment)
• Has been in hospital for 52 weeks or more

Contact us

Online: Make an enquiry
Telephone: 020 8891 1411

Email: benefits@richmond.gov.uk

Revenues and Benefits,
Civic Centre,
44 York Street,
Twickenham,
TW1 3BZ

For Council Tax and Benefits enquiries we operate a ticket queuing system from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.