Changes to non-dependant deductions from April 2012

A non-dependant is normally any adult who lives with you and is not your partner. In some cases we make a deduction from your benefit to represent the contribution the Government expects them to make to your household. This is called a non-dependant deduction.

The non-dependant deduction is taken off of the maximum benefit before we work out how much help we can give you with the remaining amount.

Non-dependant deduction rates were frozen for 11 years between April 2001 and April 2011.

In the June 2010 Budget, the Government announced that non-dependant deductions will be increased over a phased three year period starting in April 2011.

The increase is intended to mean a fairer deal for taxpayers and provide an expectation that adults make a reasonable contribution towards their housing costs.

The second of the increases come into effect from 1 April 2012.

The tables below show the new deductions that come into effect from 1 April 2012.

Council Tax Benefit

Housing Benefit

• Non-dependant deductions 2011-2012