Non-dependant deductions

If you have any other adults living with you (over the age of 18), such as grown up children, we may have to reduce the benefit we can pay you. The reduction to your benefit is called a non-dependant deduction.

The level of deduction will depend on the non-dependant's circumstances, for example, whether they are working, the number of hours they work or their income. For housing benefit there are six different levels of deductions and for council tax benefit there are four.

However, there are some circumstances when a deduction will not be taken and these are listed below.

Housing benefit

A non-dependant deduction will not be taken if you or your partner:

• Are registered or treated as blind
• Are receiving the care component of disability living allowance or attendance allowance

Similarly a non-dependant deduction will not be taken if the non-dependant 

• Is on a youth training scheme/receives a work based training allowance
• Is a full time student (this may not apply during the summer holiday)
• Is a prisoner
• Has been in hospital for 52 weeks or more
• Is under 25 years old and receives income support or job seekers allowance (IB)
• Is under 25 years old and in the assessment phase (first 13 weeks) of employment and support allowance (IR)
• Is over 18 years but child benefit is still payable
• Or his or her normal home is somewhere else

Council tax benefit

A non-dependant deduction will not be taken if you or your partner:

• Are registered or treated as blind
• Are receiving the care component of disability living allowance or attendance allowance

Similarly a non-dependant deduction will not be taken if the non-dependant

• Is over 18 years but child benefit is still payable
• Is a student nurse, apprentice or on a youth training scheme
• Is a full time student
• Is severely mentally impaired
• Is a prisoner
• Has been in hospital for 52 weeks or more
• Is in residential care, a nursing home, a hostel or night shelter
• Receives income support, job seekers allowance (IB) or employment and support allowance (IR) 
• Is a care worker
• They are disregarded for council tax purposes

Non-dependant deductions do not apply for second adult rebate claims.

Advising the benefit section

You should always inform the benefit section of any changes to your circumstances or those living with you. Failure to do this could result in a loss of benefit or you may be overpaid. Please report changes for more information.

If we are not able to establish the person's circumstances we may need to take a high deduction, so it is important that you provide us with the information. If a deduction has been made and you believe this is incorrect, you should contact us and provide the relevant information and supporting evidence.