how will a non dependant affect esa/dla

I thought if I charged rent, even if they took it straight back off my esa, I would keep the sdp and basically get the same money as I do now but have someone living in the house. I don't mind that. He's a good support to me but I don't want to go down the 'carer' route because it looks like I would lose the sdp after 12 weeks even though he isn't eligible for carers allowance. This is putting a strain on our friendship as he needs some kind of permanent address and age concern want to see a tenancy agreement. A friend even tried calling the dwp on my behalf not intending to give any specific names etc, but instead of putting her on hold for an advisor she kept getting booted off. Aaaaaargh!!

hi Gordon,
I was assuming that I was not allowed to earn any money and that whatever I charged in rent would just be deducted from my ESA. If that isn't the case, that would solve any possible problems. Also I received a letter on 5th April saying my SMI was ending as from 6th April...I had had no warning of this and still haven't had the paperwork. Do you think the best thing is for me to write to them and say I don't want a loan, I've had to take in a lodger to pay off my mortgage interest? Then I can quote their rules about who qualifies as a non dependent.