Household types and income thresholds

The household type is used to determine:

• the income threshold for the calculation of Income Related Rent and
• the rate of Jobseeker Support to use in the calculation

Note the household type is automatically determined in CMS from information recorded at the assessment.

There are 2 household types:

• sole tenant household - a single client with no partner and no dependent children
• all other household types

A sole tenant household type is where there is only a single client with no dependent children who is:

• applying for Income Related Rent and who will have their name on the tenancy agreement or
• living in the house or
• for shared housing purposes, living in one bedroom

A sole tenant household type does not always mean that there is only one person living in the house, there could be additional occupants, other people, or children who are not considered to be dependent children living in the property.

For example, a person paying a contribution or a child for whom Unsupported Child's Benefit is being paid. See: Children in the household type

All other household types is where there is:

• more than one tenant's name on the tenancy agreement (for example, a joint tenancy)
• a client with a partner (for example, where the partner's name is not on the tenancy agreement) or
• a sole parent

A partner is not included in the household type when the partner:

• does not meet the residence criteria, including a grandparented non-qualified partner of a client on benefit
• is overseas on a permanent basis
• is in prison on a permanent basis
• is in residential or rest home care on a permanent basis

In these circumstances, the household type will be:

• sole tenant - where there are no dependent children or
• other household type - where there are dependent children

Note that a partner who is not getting a benefit, but would otherwise qualify for a benefit will still be included in this household type.