Does a lodgers income count as my household income?

[GotMyGoat]

Am considering getting a lodger under the rent a room scheme, we would not be charging more than £4250 pa so I know that the income from this will not effect our child tax credits.

However - does the lodgers own income (salary etc.) count as part of our household income for child benefit and student finance purposes?

I'm starting a uni course in september, and on our current salary I'm eligible for a grant but the lodger will be earning at least £16,000 a year so if it is counted this could mean I'm actually worse off from getting a lodger as I won't be able to get the grant.

Thanks!

No, only the rent the lodger pays you would count as "your" household income.

Great news, thank you for clearing this up.

It only counts as 'household income' if you're living together as a couple. Make sure therefore that you make the financial relationship fairly formal, signing an agreement & organising direct debits rather than working on a cash basis etc. You will also have to tell the council that you are a two-person household for Council Tax purposes even if you're not a couple.