Universal credit housing cost contributions
A housing cost contribution is a set amount taken from your universal credit.
Your UC housing element might be less if:
other adults live with you
the DWP classes them as someone who should help with your rent
The DWP calls these adults 'non dependants'.
A housing cost contribution is usually taken off for each non dependant. But sometimes there should be no deduction.
Who does not count as a non dependant?
These people do not count:
a lodger
your partner
your landlord
a joint tenant
a temporary guest
But they might affect your universal credit payment in other ways.
How much is the deduction?
£91.47 a month is taken from your UC for each non dependant adult who lives with you.
This happens even if your relative or friend pays little or no money to live with you.
You may need to ask your relative or friend to help with your rent.
Example: how deductions affect your housing element
You rent your council home for £400 a month. You do not work so your UC housing element is based on your full rent.
Your adult son lives with you and counts as a non dependant.
This means your housing element is reduced by £91.47. You get £308.53.
How to work it out:
£400 (your rent)
-£91.47 (the housing cost contribution)
=£308.53 (the housing element you get)
You need to ask your son to help with the rent shortfall or pay it from other income.
When there are no deductions
Some people do not count when working out non dependant deductions.
Sometimes non dependant deductions should not happen at all.
No deductions if you get disability benefits
The DWP must not reduce your housing element if you, your partner or your non dependant get any of the following disability benefits:
attendance allowance
personal independence payment (PIP) - daily living component
disability living allowance (DLA) - middle or high rate care component
They also must not deduct money if you or your partner are registered blind or severely sight impaired.
No deductions for other reasons
The DWP must not reduce your housing element for a non dependant who is:
under 21
in prison
responsible for a child under 5
getting pension credit or carers allowance
a child or stepchild in the armed forces and away on operations
Asking someone you live with to pay more
Be open and honest with people you live with if your universal credit is being reduced and you are finding it hard to pay the full rent.
They might not know money is taken from your benefits because they live with you.
Tell them:
how much the rent is
how much your universal credit is reduced by
what you need them to pay
Do not risk rent arrears. You could lose your home.
Still need help?
Find out where to get benefits advice.
Last updated: 28 July 2024
