Girlfriend moving in - Housing benefits.

ForceGhost

Hey guys,

Was just wondering what the legalities would be of the following information?

If a person claiming DLA, housing benefit, child benefit and child tax credit whos son was living (Age 17) with them in full time education were to move his girlfriend in to the same flat (She's claiming no benefits, not contributing toward the rent and does not work but she also helps out around the house to remove stress from the person claiming DLA) what would be the legal implications if there are any?

Housing_Benefit_Officer

Under 18 no non dep deductions.

If the person claiming HB gets DLA care component then there is no non dep deduction anyway once the non dep turns 18.

No reduction in HB.

ForceGhost

Housing_Benefit_Officer wrote: »

Under 18 no non dep deductions.

If the person claiming HB gets DLA care component then there is no non dep deduction anyway once the non dep turns 18.

No reduction in HB.

So it is perfectly fine for the DLA receivers sons girlfriend to move in?

pmlindyloo

When someone moves in under these circumstances then they are considered to be a non dependent and usually the tenant's housing benefit and council tax support is affected (i.e. a deduction is made according to the situation of the non dependent.

However, in this situation the non dependent is 17 and therefore no non dependent deduction is made and when someone claims DLA then no deductions are made.

Look up their local council and housing benefit and non dependent deductions and you will find the information regarding this

DLA is not affected.

Child Tax credits will remain and CB as long as the son is in full time education.

However, as soon as the son turns 18 and the girlfriend turns 18 then a deduction may be made for HB and CT support. Also, if the son is no longer in full time education the Child Tax Credits and Child Benefit will stop.

The one area which should be considered is whether the tenant has informed the landlord of the girlfriend moving in and has permission for this.

pmlindyloo

If the girlfriend meets the eligibility criteria and the person being cared for is receiving middle or higher rate care of DLA then the girlfriend could claim Carer's Allowance.

See here:

https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility

Is there a reason the girlfriend is not claiming any benefits or not working?

ForceGhost

pmlindyloo wrote: »

If the girlfriend meets the eligibility criteria and the person being cared for is receiving middle or higher rate care of DLA then the girlfriend could claim Carer's Allowance.

See here:

Is there a reason the girlfriend is not claiming any benefits or not working?

Because they are unsure of their situation.

Look up their local council and housing benefit and non dependent deductions and you will find the information regarding this

Do you have a link to where I can find this? Bournemouth Council.

Jobseeeker

pmlindyloo wrote: »

.


However, as soon as the son turns 18 and the girlfriend turns 18 then a deduction may be made for HB and CT support. Also, if the son is no longer in full time education the Child Tax Credits and Child Benefit will stop.
.

I don't think the OP specified that the girlfriend was under 18. Assuming she's over 18 there will be a reduction in housing benefit

ForceGhost

Jobseeeker wrote: »

I don't think the OP specified that the girlfriend was under 18. Assuming she's over 18 there will be a reduction in housing benefit

The girlfriend is under 18

fluffymovie

Sorry, I am confused

Is there a claimant who has a 17 year old son and a girlfriend of under 18?

meg72

fluffymovie wrote: »

Sorry, I am confused

Is there a claimant who has a 17 year old son and a girlfriend of under 18?

I was confused too, but re-read 3 times and I think it is the 17yr old sons girlfriend moving in and not the OPs.

pmlindyloo

ForceGhost wrote: »

Because they are unsure of their situation.



Do you have a link to where I can find this? Bournemouth Council.

Unfortunately Bournemouth seems to be one of those councils which do not put the rates on their website:(

Here is an example from another council

http://www.hackney.gov.uk/f-non-dependant-deductions.htm#.UmPqLnRwa1s

As far as I am aware the disregard for under 18year olds and the claimant receiving DLA are nationwide.