Housing cost contribution

Legislation
Guidance
Case law

Rules for when deductions are made from the housing costs element in respect of non-dependants are set out in the Universal Credit Regulations 2013 (SI.No.376/2013).

NB: See below for equivalent legislation in Northern Ireland.

Interpretation	Paragraph 2 of Schedule 4 to SI.No.376/2013	Sets out the meaning of terms, including those relating to the housing cost contribution, used when referring to the housing costs element for renters.
	Paragraph 9 of Schedule 4 to SI.No.376/2013	Provides the definition of extended benefit unit, non-dependant and foster child.
Deduction of housing cost contribution	Paragraph 13 of Schedule 4 to SI.No.376/2013	Provides for deductions from the housing costs element in respect of each non-dependant who is a member of the renter’s extended benefit unit.
Amount of housing cost contributions	Paragraph 14 of Schedule 4 to SI.No.376/2013	Sets out how much the housing cost contribution is.
Exempt renters	Paragraph 15 of Schedule 4 to SI.No.376/2013	Sets out categories of renter or joint renter who are exempt from having a deduction applied.
Exempt non-dependants	Paragraph 16 of Schedule 4 to SI.No.376/2013	Provides for the categories of non-dependant who do not attract a deduction.
Calculation of housing costs element	Paragraphs 22 and 33 of Schedule 4 to SI.No.376/2013	Provide for when the housing cost contribution is deducted in the process of calculating the housing costs element.

In Northern Ireland, SR.No.216/2016 makes provisions that are largely equivalent to that in Great Britain.

Further explanation of the legislation is set out in guidance. Please note, however, guidance is not binding and cannot override the legislation.

Advice for decision making	Chapter F3	Sets out guidance to decision makers on the housing costs element including non-dependant deduction rules.
DWP guidance from parliament.uk	Housing cost contributions and non-dependants	Sets out guidance on housing costs and non-dependants.

Case law provides further interpretation of the legislation and establishes legal precedent.

We’re not aware of any case law relating to this issue.