Deductions 2010/11
Non-dependant, meals and fuel charge deductions applicable when calculating housing benefit in 2010/11.
Non-dependant deductions
It is assumed that a non-dependant adult living with the claimant will make contributions towards the rent, whether such contributions are made or not, and therefore housing benefit is reduced by an amount as set out below. Deductions are made per each non-dependant adult (ie son, daughter, friend or relative living with the claimant) aged 18 or over and working 16 hours or more per week with a weekly gross income and/or in the circumstances as detailed in the table below. See the Non-dependant deductions page for more information about the rules for calculating housing benefit.
| Weekly gross income | £ per week |
| £382 or more | 47.75 |
| Between £306 and £381.99 | 43.50 |
| Between £231 and £305.99 | 38.20 |
| Between £178 and £230.99 | 23.35 |
| Between £120 and £177.99 | 17.00 |
| Under £120 | 7.40 |
| Other circumstances | £ per week |
| On main phase of employment and support allowance (ESA) | 7.40 |
| Aged between 25 and pension age and on income support | 7.40 |
| Aged between 25 and pension age and on income-based job seekers allowance (JSA[IB]) | 7.40 |
| Aged between 25 and pension age and on income-related ESA (ESA[IR]) | 7.40 |
| Aged between 18 and pension age and not in work | 7.40 |
| Non-pension credit pensioner not in work | 7.40 |
| Aged under 25 and on income support | Nil |
| Aged under 25 and on JSA[IB] | Nil |
| Aged under 25 and on ESA (assessment phase) | Nil |
NB: No deductions are made for non-dependants in receipt of pension credit or aged under 18.
Meals deductions
Housing benefit does not cover charges for meals. If these are included in the rent, a deduction is made from the claimant's rent when calculating housing benefit. If known, the actual amount of the charges is deducted; otherwise the fixed weekly amounts as set out below are deducted. See the Eligible rent and rent restrictions section for more information.
| For each adult aged 16 or over | £ per week |
| At least three meals a day | 23.35 |
| Less than three meals a day | 15.50 |
| Breakfast only | 2.85 |
| For each child aged under 16 | £ per week |
| At least three meals a day | 11.80 |
| Less than three meals a day | 7.80 |
| Breakfast only | 2.85 |
Fuel charge deductions
Housing benefit does not cover water rates, fuel costs or certain other services. If these are included in the rent, a deduction is made from the claimant's rent when calculating housing benefit. If known, the actual amount of the charges is deducted; otherwise the fixed weekly amounts as set out below are deducted. See the Eligible rent and rent restrictions section for more information.
| Claimant occupies more than one room | £ per week |
| For heating | 21.55 |
| For hot water | 2.50 |
| For lighting | 1.75 |
| For cooking | 2.50 |
| Total for all the above | 28.30 |
| Claimant occupies one room only | £ per week |
| For heating, hot water and lighting | 12.90 |
| For cooking | 2.50 |
