Benefits entitlement when have lodger (I’m the lodger )

[Gakatsbsk]

Hello,

I am a lodger for a lady very temporarily, I moved in four weeks ago, I move out in six to eight weeks.

I wasn’t aware of her financial status and she owns the home so I didn’t feel I needed to interrogate her.

Anyway she is on PIP the high rate for disability (I know very little so excuse me if I’ve misphrased it).

She is owed seven months benefits, and according to the phone call today they are refusing to pay her any because I live here.

Can anyone clarify these questions :

1. does having a lodger after higher rate pip ?
2. Surely if it does it should only be since I moved in four weeks ago that it is affected ?
3. have I done anything wrong from a legal perspective in this scenario, surely as a lodger it is not my responsibility and also (this sounds horrible) but out with the rent I pay her, am I being expected to like financially support her or something ? I’m not the welfare state and as a lodger shouldn’t be penalised

It saddens me, the state of this country.

I’m thinking she should speak to citizens advice, she is what I’d describe as vulnerable and not able to fully advocate for herself

Many thanks x

Sorry I don’t know if this is relevant but I don’t live here full time.

I go home to England every weekend, I stay here 3-5 days a week

Pip is not means tested, so her income from renting out should not affect this particular benefit. Not sure about others.

Not your problem OP!

What's she saying your responsibility is? I assume she's laying the blame on you and asking you to contribute more £?

@Couldhavebeenme2

Hi no sorry she isn’t, she’s lovely, I’ve just worked 12 hours and can’t write properly, I more meant did I have any responsibility in the eyes of the DWP/ government.

Thanks both. The system makes me quite grateful to be able to work full time

There used to be an element of DLA which was only payable to people who lived alone - I’m not sure if there is the same for PIP, but if there is, that could be affected…

But no, you have no responsibility to make up lost money in the eyes of the government, other than paying what you’re contractually obliged to.

Pip is not income based. If this has been going on for 7m it has nothing to do with you. She must be claiming UC or other income based benefits which are effected by who else lives in the house and if they think you are a partner. I’m not sure in what way that this effects you? She can ask you to leave at any time can’t she?

What flippin says. PIP isn't means tested.

TakeYourFinalPosition is nearly correct.
It will be the Severe Disability Premium. This is extra money paid as part of some means tested benefits to people who:

1. Receive a disability benefit
2. Don't have anyone receiving Carers Allowance for looking after them
3. Live alone.

The DWP will have stopped it because another adult is in the house.
She will need to argue that you are just a lodger and not part of her "household"

You can find more information online here: www.turn2us.org.uk/Benefit-guides/Severe-Disability-Premium/Can-I-get-a-Severe-Disability-Premium

Thank for you everyone, very helpful, I’m going to tell her to speak to citizens advice.

I don’t receive any benefits at all, and pay all my taxes and everything for myself.

Tbh, whatever ‘damage’ is done by me moving in is done. In theory she can kick me out at any time after July 1st (paid rent til then), but that’d be fine by me.

Im guessing from a council tax perspective she needs to declare me ? She pays council tax, and I moved in on the basis of every bill being included so whilst I feel covered by this I also feel anxious about this.

I do have anxiety so like to worry

Re Council Tax: She will lose the Single Occupier Discount.

This article from the CAB may help. It explains how taking in a lodger effects various things: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-a-home/subletting-and-lodging/lodging/taking-in-a-lodger-what-you-need-to-think-about-first/

@unlimiteddilutingjuice
Thanks, I’ve told her to declare me but it’s not my responsibility

A home owner can rent out a room in their property & not pay tax to HMRC up to a certain amount per week
The information is on www.gov.uk

How would anyone know that she was renting out a room ?

Apart from the loss of single person council tax

Because it’s DWP and you have tell them of any changes. They will presume someone moving in will be a partner and if some/any of your benefits are mean tested this will affect them. In this case the SDP of Pip but could also be EsA/UC if also on that.

@D1rect10nDu0

I’m assuming it’s because it’s the address I put for HMRC. They didn’t know she was renting a room, they knew I by name was staying

@Akire thanks I’ll tell her that