If you have been hit by under-occupancy deduction, but you still feel that you’d like to stay in your home, it’s understandable that you’d be wondering how to make up the loss in money.
If you have already been through our Save Money section, you may have some ideas already, but have you considered taking in a lodger?
Whether it’s temporary while you wait to grow your family, or whether it’s a way of you meeting someone new but still enjoying the comfort of your home, it is an option.
Our tenancy agreements do allow for a lodger, but you need to ensure that you don’t sublet your whole property and that you declare any income generated by a lodger to the housing benefits department, as it could affect your benefit income.
Social enterprise Uniitee, offers a home sharing scheme in Cheshire East. Uniitee will match older home-owners with spare rooms and those wanting a little bit of support, but to stay independent with people looking for accommodation. This short video is well-worth a watch if you would like more information.
If you are considering a lodger, or would like more advice, you can speak to your Neighbourhood Officer for more information.