Deductions for non-dependants
Non-dependants usually live, on a non-commercial basis, in the claimant's household. Some non-dependants pay towards household bills. This money is not counted as the claimant's income.
Deductions for non-dependents are made from your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. These are not related to the amount a non-dependant may pay you. The deduction amount is set by the government and is applied even if the non-dependant does not pay towards the household bills. The fixed amounts are based on the non-dependant's circumstances.
From 1st April 2026 our local Council Tax Support scheme was changed for working age claimants, and a single weekly deduction is applied irrespective of the non-dependants earnings. For 2026/27 the weekly deduction for a non-dependant in the working age scheme is £5.20.
In the case of a non-dependant couple; only one deduction will be made. The rate of this deduction will be the highest that will be applied to them individually. If either couple is working, the gross income is treated as belonging to them as a couple.
In cases where a claimant or partner is aged 65 or more and a non-dependant moves into the household, or has a change in their circumstances which would increase the level of non-dependant deduction
The resulting change to Housing and/or Council Tax Support entitlement will be delayed for 26 weeks. Unless you are in receipt of disability premium, which will be lost immediately.
It is important to let us know of any changed which may affect your entitlement. You should let us know of any changes when they occur. You can notify us by using our online Change in Circumstances form
Housing Benefit Weekly Deductions 2026/27
| Not in remunerative work | Weekly HB Deduction |
|---|---|
| Aged under 25 and on Income Support (IS) or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA(IB)) or ESA(IR) which does not include an amount for the support component or work-related activity component or UC where the award is calculated on the basis that the non-dependant does not have any earned income | Nil |
| Aged 25 or over and on IS or JSA(IB), or aged 18 or over and not in remunerative work | £20.40 |
| In receipt of main phase ESA(IR) (any age) | £20.40 |
| In receipt of Pension Credit | Nil |
| Aged 18 or over and in remunerative work | Weekly HB Deduction |
|---|---|
| - gross weekly income: less than £192 | £20.40 |
| - gross weekly income: £192 to £278.99 | £46.85 |
| - gross weekly income: £279 to £364.99 | £64.35 |
| - gross weekly income: £365 to £484.99 | £105.20 |
| - gross weekly income: £485 to £604.99 | £119.85 |
| - gross weekly income: £605 and above | £131.45 |
Council Tax Support Weekly Deductions 2026/27 - Pension Age Customers
| Income | Weekly Deduction |
|---|---|
| In receipt of state Pension Credit or in receipt of Income Support, Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based, or ESA (income related) or full time student | Nil |
| On Universal Credit without earned income | Nil |
| Aged 18 or over and in remunerative work : Gross Income | |
| -gross income less than £279 | £5.20 |
| -gross income not less than £279 but less than £485 | £10.60 |
| -gross income not less than £485 but less than £605 | £13.30 |
| -gross income not less than £605 | £15.95 |
| -others over 18 years and over | £5.20 |