Non-Dependants

gettingby_3

I rent with another person (not partner), a 3 bed flat. Both our names are on a tenancy agreement. The smaller third bedroom is a spare room at present. I am on HB/CTB/IB. Co-tenant works full time. The council current class my eligible rent at 50% of the total rent declared on the tenancy agreement.

My brother would like to stay for a 'long' temporary period . The 'non dependant' weekly deduction for his income band will be £23.35 per week for HB. My brother works full time too. How will this affect my HB/CTB? Is this deduction the amount my HB will be reduced by? What if he were on the agreement too, would my eligible rent be 33% now there are three tenants. Whats the best arrangement if this were to happen? Are joint tenants classed as 'non dependants' too? I need to think about this carefully to avoid overpayments of benefit but at the same time not causing myself any hardship. Any sound advice please much appreciated.

healy

I am sorry but I do not know the answer to your questions, but I expect there are others who do who may miss this as it has dropped off the first page so I am bumping it up for you.

DaisyFlower

If another working adult moves into the property your benefits will be adjusted accordingly.

lil_me

If there are 3 seperate tenants it should be 1/3 of the rent I believe, I think you'd be better off contacting the local benefit office (after checking it is ok with your landlord) it's all changed to LHA now so that would change your claim and possibly what is payable.

daveyboy998

I rent with another person (not partner), a 3 bed flat. Both our names are on a tenancy agreement. The smaller third bedroom is a spare room at present. I am on HB/CTB/IB. Co-tenant works full time. The council current class my eligible rent at 50% of the total rent declared on the tenancy agreement.

My brother would like to stay for a 'long' temporary period . The 'non dependant' weekly deduction for his income band will be £23.35 per week for HB. My brother works full time too. How will this affect my HB/CTB?
You've answered your own question - there will be a deduction from your HB/CTB based on his gross income

Is this deduction the amount my HB will be reduced by?
Yes
What if he were on the agreement too, would my eligible rent be 33% now there are three tenants.
Depends if you get the new Local Housing Allowance or not. Assuming you were claiming pre-April 08 (and non-LHA) you, your joint tenant, and your brother would need a new tenancy with your landlord with you all jointly liable for the total rent. The Council would work out your claim on 33% liability...unless between the 3 of you decide to apportion it differently. For example, two joint tenants paying £80 p/w - one pays £50 (cos he has the bigger bedroom perhaps) and the other £30 - the Council would divide the benefit accordinly - not 50/50.
Whats the best arrangement if this were to happen?
Beware - if the Council believes your tenancy was created to take advantage of the benefit scheme they will refuse you benefit.
Are joint tenants classed as 'non dependants' too?
No
I need to think about this carefully to avoid overpayments of benefit but at the same time not causing myself any hardship. Any sound advice please much appreciated.

One last thought - you say your brother would like to stay for a 'long' temporary period'. If hes staying with your temporarily and has a 'normal home' elsewhere he wont be your non-dependent and no deduction will apply.

Hope that helps! :beer: