HB, pension credit and non dependents

PJQueen

Hi all,

I have recently moved in with my grandmother to help her our at home. I work full time and do not claim any benefit. She is claiming state pension and pension credit.

I informed the council as soon as I moved in and today my grandmother received a letter to say as I have moved in she is no longer eligible for any housing benefit or council tax reduction.

Is this correct? If so am I able to pay her rent and council tax via direct debit as I do not wish her to incur any additional expense?

poppy12345

PJQueen wrote: »

Hi all,

I have recently moved in with my grandmother to help her our at home. I work full time and do not claim any benefit. She is claiming state pension and pension credit.

I informed the council as soon as I moved in and today my grandmother received a letter to say as I have moved in she is no longer eligible for any housing benefit or council tax reduction.

Is this correct? If so am I able to pay her rent and council tax via direct debit as I do not wish her to incur any additional expense?

Unless they receive a qualifying benefit like Attendance allowance, DLA or PIP then yes you moving in will affect any housing benefit they can claim. See link for further details.
https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/housing_benefit/housing_benefit_deductions_when_living_with_non-dependants

Mitchey

Hi is your grandmother over 65? I think any deductions for non dependants should not be made for 26 weeks after you have moved in as your grandmother is on pension credit. I recall a thread on here a while ago but can't put the link in as I've only just registered to reply to this. The thread is called 'Non dependant with savings. Affect benefits?' if you want to search for it and have a read.

tboo

Mitchey wrote: »

Hi is your grandmother over 65? I think any deductions for non dependants should not be made for 26 weeks after you have moved in as your grandmother is on pension credit. I recall a thread on here a while ago but can't put the link in as I've only just registered to reply to this. The thread is called 'Non dependant with savings. Affect benefits?' if you want to search for it and have a read.

Its a non dependant delay


We delay making a non-dependant deduction from Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.

• If a new non-dependant moves in (and the rules say we must make a deduction for them), we don't make the deduction until 26 weeks have passed; or
• If your non-dependant has a change that means we must start making a deduction, or make a bigger deduction, we don't make the deduction until 26 weeks have passed.

However, if your non-dependant has a change that means we should make a smaller deduction, so that you get more benefit, we do this straightaway, as long as you tell us promptly.

Shelter

If the claimant or any partner is aged 65 or over, a deduction is delayed until the non-dependant has been living in her/his home for 26 weeks

PJQueen

Thanks guys! This is good to know! I will contact them tomorrow.

No problem in paying the rent on the house, just want to be sure it’s right.