A dependant is someone for whom the MP has caring responsibilities.
There are several dependant types, some of which make the MP eligible for an uplift to their accommodation budget, while others enable the MP to make claims for travel and subsistence costs for the dependant(s).
MPs are responsible for letting us know promptly about any change in their circumstances regarding a dependant.
Child or family dependant
IPSA considers a dependant as:
a child under the age of 18 for whom the MP has parental responsibility
a child aged 18-21 in full-time education, where the MP has been seeking reimbursement for the costs of accommodation or travel for them prior to 1 April 2017 and the MP is the sole carer (not just the primary carer)
an expected child – it may be possible for an MP to pre-register an expected child (via pregnancy, adoption or surrogacy). Please speak to your account manager for more information
a family member in receipt of one of the following benefits and for whom the MP is a primary carer:
Attendance Allowance
Disability Living Allowance (at the middle or highest rate)
the Personal Independence Payment (at standard or enhanced rate)
a Constant Attendance Allowance with either an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or a War Disablement Pension
To register a child as a dependant, the scheme states the MP must have 'parental responsibility'. This is a legal term and denotes the rights and obligations of a parent in respect of the upbringing of a child.
For more information, please see the UK government guidance on parental rights and responsibilities.
MPs are entitled to claim travel and subsistence for these dependants as well as a rental accommodation budget uplift (for non-London MPs) related to child dependants they have registered on IPSA Online.
Each MP can claim the uplift to a maximum of three dependants.
The uplifts will expire at the end of the financial year in which:
a child dependant reaches the age of 18 (unless they are then in receipt of one of the above-listed benefits), or
a child-dependant aged 18-21 in full-time education turns 21 or leaves full-time education (whichever is earlier)
If the MP does not have legal parental responsibility, but has responsibility for providing a home for the child and for their health, education, protection and discipline, then they may still be eligible to register the child as a dependant and should speak to their account manager in the first instance.
If the MP has responsibility for a dependant but their family circumstances do not reflect these definitions above, they are encouraged to speak to their account manager about what support, if any, IPSA can provide.
Spouse/partner dependant
An MP can register their spouse, civil partner or cohabiting partner as a dependant so travel and subsistence can be claimed.
No budget uplift applies for the registration of a spouse/partner dependant. A partner becomes eligible for registration in one of the following circumstances:
the date of marriage
the date of civil partnership
the date on which co-habitation commences
Carer dependant
An MP can register a carer as a dependant. This applies when someone for whom the MP has caring responsibilities requires assistance from a carer other than the MP or their partner.
The carer can claim travel and subsistence costs.
No budget uplift applies for the registration of a carer dependant.