Universal Credit Housing Costs Element - What if I have another adult living with me?

A non-dependant can be your:

• Adult children
• Relative
• Friend

If a non-dependant lives with you, an amount may be taken off your housing costs element because this other person is expected to help with the rent. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) call this a Housing Costs Contribution.

There are exemptions where a non-dependant deduction may not apply to you (see below).

How much is taken off?

£93.02 per month is taken off your Universal Credit for each other adult in your home.

Exemptions

You won’t have money taken off your housing costs element for a non-dependant if:

• You (or your partner) are certified blind or severely sight impaired
• You (or your partner) receive
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Pension Age Disability Payment (Scotland)
  • the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment
  • the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Scottish Adult DLA at middle or higher rate
  • high or middle rate care component of Child Disability Payment or
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).

You also won’t have any money taken off your housing costs element for any other adult who:

• Is under 21; or
• Is responsible for a child under 5; or
• Is getting
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) daily living component
  • Adult Disability Payment daily living component
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Scottish Adult DLA care component at middle or high rate or
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP); or
• Is getting Carer’s Allowance; or
• Is getting Pension Credit.

You won't have money taken off your award for a non-dependant if you are a leaseholder.

If you are not sure whether your property is a leasehold, you can check the Leasehold Property guidance on GOV.UK.