How we calculate Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction

A non-dependant is a person over 18 years of age that normally lives with the claimant, other than:

• a partner
• dependant child
• joint tenant or a sub-tenant

We make a weekly deduction for each non-dependant. The amount taken off depends on their income and circumstances.

Find out how much will be deducted

You must let us know if there's a change of your non-dependants by reporting a change of circumstances.

When deductions do not apply

We will not make a deduction if you or your partner:

• is registered blind
• gets Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (care component), Personal Independence Payment (daily living component) or an Armed Forces Independence Payment

We will not make a deduction if the non-dependant:

• is under 18
• is in prison
• normally lives elsewhere
• is a full-time student
• gets Pension Credit
• is aged under 25 and gets Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• is aged 25 and gets assessment phase income-related Employment Support Allowance

There may be other cases where a deduction won't be applied.

People who are State Pension age

If you or your partner are aged 66 or over, non-dependant deductions can be delayed for 26 weeks if a non-dependant:

• moves in with you
• who lives with you has a change in circumstances which leads to larger reduction

The 26 week delay does not apply if:

• a dependant who lives with you becomes a non-dependant
• a non-dependant is no longer a student