lodger on DLA/ESA and Council tax

[Isabeller]

I have a 25% single person discount on council tax as my current lodger is a full time student. A disabled person on DLA and ESA (support group) is interested in moving in when she leaves. I think I'll lose the discount but she won't be entitled to Council Tax benefit as I'm the person liable.

I will have to reduce the rent a bit if I charge the LHA rate but if I also have to find the extra Council Tax it's not really economical. My accommodation is far better for her disability than where she is now so I want to be helpful but I'm on a low wage so do need something close to the going rate.

Anyone know how this works?

You can claim Second Adult Rebate which is rebate based on the second adult in the properties income rather than the householder / owner. Contact your local Council about it.

Brilliant, thank you I will look into it today. Thinking about it overnight I really want to find a way to make this work for her if I can. It would be good for both of us :)

Citizen's Advice website says this only applies to a second adult who isn't paying rent unfortunately.

You need to increase the rent to cover your lodgers part of the council tax.
Please remember that as of this April, council tax benefit no longer covers the whole amount anyway & she would be expected to pay part of it herself from her existing benefits.
It is worth contacting your local council & explaining the problem to them as some of them will reduce the council tax if you have a disabled person living on the property, although they will require proof.
england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice/paying_for_a_home/council_tax/council_tax_benefit

Thank you, that's really helpful. She has been told by her housing worker that this disability related reduction might apply and we are both looking into it. Unfortunately I will have to reduce the rent to get down to the local housing allowance figure so no room for manoeuvre there.