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Universal credit: Housing cost contributions

Housing costs contributions are set deductions from your universal credit (UC).

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reduces your housing element if:

  • other adults live with you on an informal basis

  • they expect these adults to help with your rent

The DWP describes adults they expect to help with your rent as 'non dependants'.

How much is the deduction?

£85.73 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

You rent your council home for £400 a month.

Your adult son lives with you and counts as a non dependant.

The amount of UC housing element you get is:

£400 – £85.73 = £314.27

When the DWP must not make the deduction

The DWP must not make the deduction 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

The DWP must not make a deduction 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


Last updated: 2 April 2023

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