Benefits plus roommate?

Rachel27

I live with my bf and 5 month old baby in a 2 bed flat (privately rented). The baby sleeps in the room with us and I'd like my friend to live in our 2nd bedroom for a while.

However, I would like to know how this affects our benefits? I receive statutory maternity pay, child benefit and some housing benefit. My bf recently had to stop work to look after me (I have some health problems). We've been told he should maybe apply for carers allowance but I have to register as disabled to do that...

If our friend came to live with us, how would that affect it? She would be working full time.

karenx

It's not as straightforward as registering as disabled. You have to apply for DLA but it's for care or mobility needs and you would have to be awarded mid to high rate for him to be able to apply for carers allowance.
What are your health problems??

BigAunty

You can model the impact of their moving in on the turn2us online benefit calculator.

See the non-dependent deductions on your local council website to understand how their income may modestly reduce your Council tax and housing benefits - it's done on a sliding scale according to their earnings. The table of NDD will also detail the changes should you be successful in your claim for DLA (I believe then that no deductions will then take place).

PippaGirl_2

However you do need to declare any rent received to both the DWP and the LA for benefits purposes, whether or not you are awarded DLA.