Social welfare payments — counted or exempt?
Counted as income
Jobseeker's Allowance
Your full weekly JA payment is counted as income in the means test.
Counted as income
One-Parent Family Payment
The full weekly amount is counted as household income.
Counted as income
Disability Allowance
Counted as income. Declare the full weekly amount.
Counted as income
Carer's Allowance
Counted as income for the means test.
Counted as income
Back to Education Allowance
Counted as income if you receive it.
NOT counted
Child Benefit
Fully exempt — does not count as income under any circumstances.
NOT counted
Fuel Allowance
Not counted as household income for HAP purposes.
NOT counted
Living Alone Allowance
Exempt from the means test calculation.
NOT counted
Domiciliary Care Allowance
Not counted as income for HAP.
Always declare counted paymentsThe council cross-references with the DSP. If you receive a counted payment and don't declare it, it will be flagged and can cause your HAP to be suspended or recalculated with arrears.
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What happens when your social welfare changes
If your social welfare payment increases, decreases, starts, or stops — you must notify your council. They'll recalculate your differential rent accordingly. Don't wait for the annual review.
Starting work while on social welfare and HAPIf you get a job and your social welfare stops or reduces, contact your council straight away. Your differential rent will likely decrease — which means you could be overpaying until it's recalculated.
Related HAP guides
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