Will You Be Affected by the Changes to Housing Benefit Non Dependant Deductions?
Date: 11/10/2011
Non Dependant Deduction Increases
What are non dependant deductions?
A non dependant is a person in a household aged 18 or over who is not the spouse/partner of the housing benefit claimant. They are typically the grown-up children of the tenant.
A set amount is deducted from a claimants benefit in line with their circumstances ranging from £9.40 for non dependants over 25 in receipt of some benefits or 18 plus in full-time work to £60.60 per week when the non dependant earns over £387.00 per week.
Increases:
The non dependant deduction was frozen in 2001. From April 2011 until 2014 these deductions are to rise to the level they would have been if they had not been frozen.
Who should make up the shortfall?
Please be aware that the non dependant is responsible for providing the tenant with the shortfall between the rent and Housing Benefit payment.
Can we help?
Please get in touch if you have been affected by the increased non dependant deductions. We can offer benefit and budgeting advice and ensure the correct rates are being applied by Scottish Borders Council e.g. where SBC are applying the highest non dependant deduction due to lack of information regarding the non dependant; the non dependant has left the property; the non dependant is only staying for a short period.
Please get advice before you fall into rent arrears, or feel that you have to request that the non dependant leaves your tenancy as you may then be affected by the reduction in benefit caused by under occupying your property from April 2013.
Contact Janice Blenkinsopp, Financial Inclusion Co-ordinator, or Carol Robertson, Financial Inclusion Assistant on:
0845 604 3733
benefitenquiries@eildon.org.uk