Frequently Asked Questions

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Who is a Non-dependant?

This question is asked both because it affects entitlement to the Severe Disability Premium within PC and CTR and also because a reduction may be made from PC mortgage interest help and CTR in respect of the notional contribution from the non-dependant.

A non-dependant is someone who is NOT:

• The claimant or partner, or children/young people for whom he is responsible (gets Child Benefit)
• A joint owner or tenant
• A professional carer caring for the relevant person or a member of his family and being paid by the relevant person or some other body such as a charity
• Someone who lives there on a commercial basis, paying the claimant for "board and lodging" or simply renting a room(s) in the claimants dwelling

Benefits legislation prohibits a commercial arrangement between the claimant and a relative living in the same dwelling, or any arrangement that is not on a commercial basis.

This means that a non-dependant will normally be a relative or a son or daughter who is no longer a child or young person. There may be occasions when another person lives in the same dwelling as the relevant person and only pays a peppercorn rent (for example someone who acts as a carer or companion). In such cases that person would be deemed to be a non-dependant.

A person resides with another only if: they share any accommodation except a bathroom, a lavatory, or a room or rooms of common access BUT NOT if each person is separately liable to make payments in respect of his occupation of the dwelling to the Landlord.