On behalf of a neighbour

fatalehahmed

hi I’m asking on behalf of a neighbour who is a widow and owns her own home no mortgage I believe but on disability and pension credit who is over 75. She would like to know if she can have a lodger, what process does she need to do and would it affect her disability and pension credit.

poppy123456

Rent from a lodger will affect their Pension Credit. There's a £20/week disregard and after that the PC is reduced £1 for £1 if no meals are included. If at least one meal is include then the deduction will be 50% of the rent above £20/week will affect pension credit. See link. https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/repossession/taking_in_a_lodger_if_you_have_mortgage_arrears Ignore the mortgage arrears heading, same rules apply even without arrears.

If they are claiming single person discount for council tax then they will also lose that.

fatalehahmed

fine but what about if she has her son stay for a few weeks once a month can this affect her disability. I’m just helping her because she is not computer literate

poppy123456

Having people stay over sometimes isn't going to affect her benefits. You first asked about a lodger, would that be her son? If it is and her Pension Credit includes the Severe disability Premium then this will stop if her son lives with her.

Does her son have is own home?

fatalehahmed

he works away a lot but I believe he’s in rented and from time to time he likes to stay and look after his mum.