Family member lives with us. Does this affect Universal credit.

Laineyb

Good Afternoon. Our 25 year old Grand -daughter lives with us and works full time. I do not know how much she earns. (Not my business). I may lose my job next week so will have to claim UC. My Husband works part time due to age and health restrictions. If I claim UC do I have to tell them how much my Grand-Daughter earns? She does pay us some rent. TIA

NedS

Do you rent or own your property? If you do rent, is it from the Council/social housing or is it with a private landlord?

Her earnings are not taken into consideration as she is not deemed to be part of your benefit unit (she is not expected to support you), but you should declare her on your claim as a non-dependant adult as she lives in the same property. UC will not ask for her earnings as they are not relevant.

If you rent then she may have an impact on the amount of housing element that you receive. For example, if it were just you and your husband, you'd only be entitled to help with rent based on the one bedroom property rate, but with your granddaughter also living at the property you'd be entitled to help at the two bedroom rate but she may be expected to contribute towards that (i.e, the rent she pays you).

If you own your property then it makes no difference to the amount of UC you may receive as you will not receive any help with housing costs.

Vitor

Your granddaughter’s wages would not be counted as income on your Universal Credit claim.

You should also check whether you qualify for New Style JSA. If you have paid enough Class 1 National Insurance contributions in the relevant tax years, you may be able to claim it for up to six months. Your husband’s earnings, your savings and your granddaughter’s wages would not normally affect New Style JSA.

You can claim New Style JSA on its own or alongside a joint Universal Credit claim.

You and your husband would need to make a joint UC claim, so his earnings, and any savings or other income you both have, would be taken into account. You should declare that your granddaughter lives with you.

If you rent and receive the housing element of UC, there may be a fixed non-dependant deduction because she is aged 25. This is generally a set amount, rather than being based on how much she earns or how much she pays you. There are exceptions, particularly where certain disability benefits are being received.

If you own your home and are not claiming help with rent, her living with you should not reduce the standard UC amount.

Council Tax Reduction is separate and the council may ask for details of her income when assessing that.