Declaring Housing Benefit Changes Late

[Staerke2020]

So, I've had a horrific health condition that has caused the disfiguration of my face due to ongoing adipose tissue loss. Have had an absolute nightmare with terrible, uninterested doctors and hence the issue has consumed 1.5 years of my life with still no resolution. I've been seriously physically ill in addition to the constant facial tissue loss.

I had a friend move in with me as a lodger last April to help me because I've been unable to to do everything myself. I was classified as a student at the time so had council tax exemption.

I declared him to my landlord and was told it didn't affect UC that I was claiming due to my illness.

I didn't report him to council tax because I was paying any at the time.

I've now found out that he should have been paying it (as the lodger) and I'm terrified.

If I report the changes now (which I will have to), will I get into serious trouble? Can I send this as a letter?

*disfigurement not disfiguration

*I wasn't paying any council tax at the time

If the other person in the house is working aren't they classed as single person discount on council tax ? They would need to contact council themselves

Surely, you are still exempt from council tax if you are a student

You won't get in any trouble. Just explain the situation. Your lodger will have to pay full council tax as there is more than one person in the house regardless of if you are exempt. If they are paying rent then this will effect housing benefit.

I'd get clarification from the council but I'd say he'd only just moved in as a lodger.
Why open up a can of worms for yourself?!

Just to add, rent from a lodger does affect housing benefit but not UC.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-a-home/subletting-and-lodging/lodging/taking-in-a-lodger-what-you-need-to-think-about-first/

Thanks for this, most helpful.

Well, I declared him as a lodger when he moved in last April to my Housing Association and if I declare him as having moved in recently, they could check this, hence making the situation worse so I think I will have to declare him.

Although when he initially moved in I wasn't charging him rent as it was good enough of him to help look after me. I guess I could even provide bank statements to back this up.

Ok brilliant, thanks for the re-assurance

Although when he initially moved in I wasn't charging him rent as it was good enough of him to help look after me. I guess I could even provide bank statements to back this up.

Sorry OP but this does not matter when it comes to Ctax. It's not the rent he pays you that makes him liable for ctax it's the fact hes over 18 and lives there.

The only way your lodger can be disregarded is if you were claiming daily living part of PIP and he is caring for you but is not your spouse or partner. He would then be classed as an unpaid carer so exempt from ctax.

Sorry but he is liable for nearly all of last years ctax at a 25% discount. You wont get in to trouble nor will he but he will have to pay the bill.