Council tax PIP and Housing Benefits

char115

I wonder if anyone can give me an answer.  My grand daughter aged 20 has just moved in with me (I have 2 bedroom council Property).  She is not working and is currently receiving PIP.  I have informed Council tax and my monthly bill is much higher now.  Does she have to contribute to the council tax bill.  I am receiving LCWRA and UC

Alice_Holt

Yes, as a non-dependant she is expected to make a contribution. 
https://www.turn2us.org.uk/jargon-buster/non-dependant

If you were yourself in receipt of a disability benefit such as PIP, then the non-dependant deduction would not apply.

She may wish to apply for UC, to give her an additional income to her PIP.

Do check that the council have made the correct assumption about her income, as this affects the ND deduction.

char115

Thank you, that was quick.  She applied for UC 2 days ago.  I have emailed the council tax as they do not take calls for some reason.  I do not think that they have taken her income into consideration but I will check, thanks again 

Alice_Holt

Re Housing Benefit

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/housing_benefit_deductions_when_living_with_non_dependants#:~:text=The council might reduce your,expected pay towards your rent.

Note that:

 " No deductions are made for young people under 25 who get: 

• universal credit (UC) - unless they are in work"
  
  (Council Tax reduction schemes are administered locally, so it may be worth checking your local council website re their rules).    

    For HB, since there are now 2 of you in a 2 bed property the 14% bedroom tax reduction to your HB should not now apply.

poppy12345

You mention housing benefit in the title of the thread and then mention in your first post that you're claiming UC, with LCWRA. 

You will only be claiming housing benefit if you're either living in supported or temporary housing, otherwise. rent will be paid through UC known as housing element. It's important to know the difference because there are some differences between them both. 

As she's under 21 there will be no non dependent deductions for your housing element. 

Alice_Holt

poppy12345 said:

You mention housing benefit in the title of the thread and then mention in your first post that you're claiming UC, with LCWRA. 

You will only be claiming housing benefit if you're either living in supported or temporary housing, otherwise. rent will be paid through UC known as housing element. It's important to know the difference because there are some differences between them both. 

As she's under 21 there will be no non dependent deductions for your housing element. 

      Thanks poppy.

      OP - I've specially addressed HB as this was in the title of your thread.

      If you are receiving the housing element of UC, then the info in poppy's post applies (rather than my post which relates to HB).

char115

Sorry for the confusion I receive UC.  Thanks for advice, it appears that my grand daughter will have to help with the council tax bill?

poppy12345

If her PIP includes the daily living part have a look at claiming 25% carers discount. Speak to your local Authority. https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support/information-for-your-situation/council-tax-discounts/carers

You will also need to report a change of circumstances by logging into your journal and clicking "children and other people that live with you" you will then be entitled to the extra bedroom so wouldn't be affected by the bedroom tax.