Disabled Non-Dependent

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EllesBelles
EllesBelles Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
edited 11:02AM in Housing and independent living

Hi Everyone,

I am looking for some advice if possible. My friend is due to become homeless soon and is in receipt of LCWRA/UC/PIP, as am I… I am underoccupying my current property by one room, and it made sense to discuss a house-share.

UC currently underpay on Housing Element by £80 pcm due to the spare bedroom, so when I asked for advice on taking in a 'lodger' so to speak, they said they would further reduce it by £91.64 for me having a non-dependent in the house, despite us both being disabled adults - Is this right?

I want to help, but I would hate for either of us to be worse off financially when things are already very strained as it is, due to personal circumstances and the cost of living. Likewise, I tried to discuss this with them well in advance, but they refused to give any further information until my friend moved in and we have reported the change of circumstances…

Any help would be so appreciated.

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  • Santosha12
    Santosha12 Online Community Member Posts: 1,441 Trailblazing

    Hi @ellesbelles, sorry I don't know the answer just posting to hopefully push it to the 'front' again for answer. Take care.

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 4,672 Championing

    Hi,

    Yes, this is correct.

    You can't 'occupy' the spare room with a lodger. (Only a partner/carer/dependent child.)

    And any non-dependent adults will be charged £91.64 on top.

    However, the lodger can then claim Housing Element themselves, to pay you some rent. This is one of few things about UC that is better than ESA. Because the money you are paid as rent is not counted as income for UC, but would have been on ESA.

    It is unlikely that the lodger could get the full Shared Rate of LHA if they only have one room. UC will decide on an appropriate percentage of the rent amount. I do not know the exact calculation for this unfortunately.

    Please also check whether this could affect your Council Tax, as that is managed at a local level and each Council has their own rules.

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