Non Dependants

How does a Non-dependant affect my Benefit?

If you are treated as having a non-dependant living with you your Benefit entitlement will be reduced due to a non-dependant deduction.

You must therefore tell us about everyone that lives with you and if somebody moves in or out of your home as it will affect your benefit.

If you have a non-dependant that has a change in their circumstances, i.e, they change their job, have an increase or decrease in their earnings, income or capital, you must let us know within one month of the change as the deduction applied to your Benefit in respect of the non-dependant may change.

How is the deduction calculated?

The Government sets a weekly deduction for each non-dependant based on their income. The more income that they have, the higher the non-dependant deduction will be.

If your non-dependant is working, on benefits or receiving a private pension or any other income, the charge will be based on their total GROSS income.  Gross Income is the amount before any deductions are made in respect of things such as Tax and National Insurance are taken.

Are there any cases where a non-dependant deduction is not made?

Yes. Below is a list showing the main areas where a non-dependant deduction is not made:

• If you or your partner are receiving Attendance Allowance
• If you or your partner are registered blind
• If you or your partner are receiving the care component of Disability Living Allowance
• If the non-dependant is on Income Support or Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
• If the non-dependant is a full-time student, or on a Youth Training Scheme
• If the non-dependant is in hospital for 52 weeks or more