Lodgers and Benefits

[Jasandjules]

Ok,

I told a relative of mine about the idea of getting lodgers from a thread on here. As a result of this, it is clearly my responsibility to find out everything said relative wants to know.........

Therefore, my relative has a spare room, but gets her mortgage paid by the DSS because she is ill, she also gets a benefit for her kids. Will she lose these if she gets a lodger? Does anyone know?

[Eric Mc]

It depends on the exact nature of the benefits she receives.

Some are means tested (i.e dependent on income levels) and some are not. I would guess that getting a lodger in could very well reduce any means-tested benefits she received.

She can always ask at the benefits office or the Citizens Advice Bureau.

[V8mate]

Ohhhhhh.

I thought this was going to be about 'friends with benefits' but who stay over; every night.

[Jasandjules]

Eric Mc said:

It depends on the exact nature of the benefits she receives.

Some are means tested (i.e dependent on income levels) and some are not. I would guess that getting a lodger in could very well reduce any means-tested benefits she received.

She can always ask at the benefits office or the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Ah right, I know not which ones are which I am afraid.

She thought that she could work 16 hours a week and still not lose benefits, but I have no idea how that would equate in terms of getting a lodger..... She doesn't want to phone the DSS and ask.