How we work out your Housing Benefit

A guide to how we work out your Housing Benefit.

Other adults who live with you

Any adult over 18 who lives with you is classed as a non dependant. For example, grown up children or elderly relatives.

Depending on their circumstances, we may need to reduce the amount of money we pay you.

Evidence of their income

You must provide evidence of their income. If you cannot provide evidence we may reduce your benefit by the maximum deduction for a non dependant. This may result in you not qualifying for Housing Benefit.

Who decides the amount deducted

The government sets the amount we deduct for Housing Benefit and for people of pension age.

Circumstances where a deduction is not taken

A non dependant deduction won't be taken if you or your partner is: 

  • registered blind
  • receiving Attendance Allowance
  • receiving Disability Living Allowance (care component)
  • receiving Personal Independence Payment (daily living component)

A deduction also won't be taken if the non dependant is: 

  • aged under 18
  • in receipt of Pension Credit
  • aged under 25 who are on Income Support
  • aged under 25 who are in the assessment phase (first 13 weeks) of Employment and Support Allowance (income related)
  • a prisoner

If you or your partner are 65 or over and a non dependant joins your household, we will delay the non dependant deduction for 26 weeks. This also applies when a non dependant already living with you has a change in income that would normally mean an increase in the deduction already being made. 

Tell us about any changes

You must tell us about any changes relating to non dependants.

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support team
Telephone: 020 8726 7000
Email: croyhben@croydon.gov.uk

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support team
London Borough of Croydon
Bernard Weatherill House
8 Mint Walk
Croydon, CR0 1EA.