Housing costs contributions

The DWP makes deductions for any adults living with the claimant, other than their partner. This includes adult children. This deduction is called a housing cost contribution and represents the contribution the adult is expected to make. It is also known as a non-dependent deduction.

This is a special deduction which is only applied to the housing costs element, it will not affect other elements of UC.

The 2025/26 rate is £93.02 per month for each non-dependant. These reductions will never reduce universal credit payments by more than the total housing element added on to the claim.

Claimants who are exempt from housing costs contributions

No non-dependent deductions are made from a UC award if either the claimant or their partner is:

• certified as severely sight impaired or blind

• claiming the daily living component of PIP, the middle or high rate care component of DLA, or attendance allowance (or if they are entitled to these benefits but not receiving them as a consequence of receiving other support)

Who is considered a non-dependent?

A deduction is only made if a person is classed as a non-dependent. A person is considered a non-dependent if they normally live with the claimant as part of their household and are not:

• a child or qualifying young person that the claimant is responsible for

• the claimant's partner

• a joint tenant

• a lodger

• a resident landlord or member of the resident landlord's household

• already being treated as a non-dependent in someone else's universal credit claim.

Non-dependants who do not cause deductions

A non-dependent will not cause a deduction to be made from your client's UC award if they are:

• under the age of 21

• receiving pension credit

• receiving carer's allowance

• a carer of a child under the age of 5

• a prisoner

• an adult child or step-child in the armed forces

• receiving the daily living component of PIP, middle or high rate care component of DLA, or attendance allowance

More information on deductions for non-dependents

Members of the public can find out more about non dependant deductions and universal credit on Shelter's website.

Professionals can find out more about deductions from universal credit for non-dependants on Shelter Legal.