Non-Dependant Deduction Universal Credit

ebuddy81

Hello

I wonder if anyone can help, I receive higher rate care DLA for my youngest daughter who is 7. I also have my oldest daughter who has just turned 21 living with me and have stated to have a non-dependent deduction taken from the housing element of £93.02 on my universal credit payment.

I believed that this should not be taken because I receive DLA for my youngest daughter, however 2 different members of staff from Universal Credit now have advised that this only applies if my 21 year old daughter was receiving DLA.

Is this correct? Everything I have read online states that it should be disregarded if I am in receipt of it.

Thank you

Kimi87

You don't get DLA for yourself it is for your dependant daughter.

The non dependant deduction applies unless you or your non dependant receives a disability benefit.

https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/benefits/universal_credit_housing_cost_contributions

Neither apply in your case.

Universal Credit staff don't always give the correct advice, but I agree with them this time.

ebuddy81

Yes it is for my youngest daughter.

OK thank you. It’s very confusing I always had the non-dependant deduction taken when my son lived with me, however when my youngest was awarded DLA last year this was then disregarded and I was also backdated these payments. He has since moved out so now I am not sure why they disregarded it then and wondering if it was a mistake!

Kimi87

That is strange, you might benefit from talking to a trained benefits advisor locally to see if they can help.

https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

ebuddy81

Thank you, will do