Hi, my name is JacqGall! Should I have ever been paying non dependent deduction for my son?

JacqGall

hi, not sure if anyone can help but I have a disabled son who has been in receipt of PIP & ESA since he turned 18 (he is now almost 28) & I have been paying a non dependent amount for rent for the whole time so 10yrs but I am his power of attorney & deal with all of his finances as he is not capable. I have recently gone over to Universal Credit & have been awarded the full amount in housing benefit with no non dependent charge so am wondering if I am his full time cater & get carers allowance for him then should I ever have been paying a non dependent amount towards my rent for my son?

Can anyone please help or even advise me on what to do about this pleeeease.
Thankyou so much in advance. 👍🤞

Kimi87

Housing Element (under UC) has different rules than the old Housing Benefit. As you have found it can be more generous.

It's correct that you now have no non dependant deduction, but that doesn't mean paying one under Housing Benefit was incorrect either.

poppy123456

For housing benefit unless you're claiming either daily living PIP, DLA mid/high rate care or AA then yes the non dependant deduction was correct. It will be £19.30/week from April 2024, slightly less in previous years. See link.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/housing_benefit_deductions_when_living_with_non_dependants?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADwswOyHliS6hpaqHdKnAnU5EFdiz&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgJa6BhCOARIsAMiL7V8135tS8apEnq1NVEwqmIzwU7jqt6ZBfkVnIoUo6CFuMRvlsU9yRsAaAlWcEALw_wcB

As kimmy correctly mentions the non dependant deductions are more generous for housing element of UC than it is for HB.