HB and living with cousin

mazza4011

Hi. I've been claiming JSA and HB on and off over the last three years as I work in construction and work's been so hit and miss. Anyway, after the latest contract finished I decided to move out of my flat and downsize to a share house/bedsit type of thing. At the same time I found out my cousin was looking to take in a lodger so we thought it mutually beneficial for that to be me. I'm having to make a new claim for HB, and one of the questions asks if my landlord is a family member. Though 'cousin' doesn't appear on the list, should I still tick yes, and if I do will it affect my claim?

Whereas I want to be honest, I don't want to give them unnecessary info which could impact the process. Any advice?

BigAunty

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/technical-guidance/rr2-a-guide-to-housing-benefit/housing-benefit/

People who cannot get Housing Benefit [HB Reg 7]

Close relatives

You cannot claim HB if you live in the same dwelling as your landlord, and they are a close relative of you or your partner.
A close relative is a:

• parent
• or step-parent
• or father-in-law or mother-in-law
• or child
• or step-child
• or son-in-law or daughter-in-law
• or brother or sister
• or brother-in-law or sister-in-law
• or partner of any of the above

http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/paying_for_a_home/housing_benefit_and_local_housing_allowance/housing_benefit_if_renting_from_a_family_member