Lodger, UC, do I need to inform DWP as “change of circumstances”

lola211

hello, I understand everything about taking in a lodger while on UC with housing element, however this is the one thing I cannot understand: they are not family or a non dependant, nothing to do with my household, simply a lodger. Does this count as a change of circumstance that needs to be reported to the DWP? I know it won’t affect my claim, and I know I will continue to pay “bedroom tax”, and I know to inform council and also regarding tax. I just don’t know if I have to actually tell DWP as it doesn’t seem to fall into the right category. For reference, I get UC with housing element and LWRCA, and 1 bedroom excess is deducted from housing

huckster

No you don't need to inform UC about a lodger, unless you formed a relationship with them and in effect they became your partner.

Have seen cases where a ' lodger' had moved with their landlord to several different addresses and DWP were not convinced they had no relationship, so would not agree to single claim.