Non-dependants cannot claim Housing benefit for any payment they make for their living expenses.

Money paid by Non-Dependants towards their living expenses is not treated as the claimant's income. A fixed deduction is made from the claimant's entitlement to Housing Benefit (see box below).  These deductions are fixed sums dependent on the amount of the non-dependant's gross weekly income.

A non-dependant's deduction is still made from the claimant's Housing Benefit entitlement.

Boarders, sub-tenants and joint tenants are not classed as non-dependants.

Are there any reasons where a deduction will not apply?

Yes.  A deduction will not apply for a non-dependant if the Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit claimant or partner is:

1. In receipt of Attendance Allowance 
2. Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance 
3. In receipt of Disability Living Allowance care component
4. Registered blind

or the non-dependant is:

1. under 18 years of age 
2. under 25 years of age AND receiving Income   Support/Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based) 
3. a full time student (there may be a deduction if the student works during the summer vacation)
4. receiving a Work Based Training Allowance 
   normally lives elsewhere