What is Council Tax Benefit?
Council Tax Benefit helps people pay their Council Tax bills.
Council Tax Benefit is governed by The Council Tax Benefit (General) Regulation 1992.
Who can claim Council Tax Benefit?
You can claim Council Tax Benefit at any time if you are the liable person to pay Council Tax.
Second Adult Rebate
Second Adult Rebate is a form of Council Tax Benefit but the amount of benefit is based on the income of certain other adults who may live with the claimant.
...read more about Second Adult Rebate
How to claim
All claims for Council Tax Benefit must be made by completing an application form which may be obtained from us.
You will need to contact us for a form.
What we need to process a claim
All applications for Council Tax Benefit must be supported with
- the claimant (and partner’s) National Insurance Number
- proof of identity and
- evidence of all income and savings.
Where the evidence required is not provided, then we will write to you to request further information. All information should be provided within 4 weeks of being asked to do so.
If supporting evidence is not provided you may lose Benefits.
How we work it out
The amount of Council Tax Benefit you will receive depends on:
- how much Council Tax you pay
- your (and your partner’s) weekly income
- any savings or investments you (and your partner) have
- your age and the age of any member of your family who lives with you and
- whether anyone else, such as a lodger, lives with you.
In certain circumstances we may backdate your claim for Council Tax Benefit to a date before you made your claim.
If you don't agree with us then you can appeal our decision.
If your circumstances change then you must tell us otherwise this could result in an overpayment.
How it is paid
Council Tax Benefit is paid direct to your Council Tax Account therefore reducing your Council Tax Bill.
When Council Tax Benefit is assessed, you will be sent a revised Council Tax bill showing a reduction in the amount you have to pay.
Your Council Tax Benefit will be set for a period of up to 60 weeks. After this we will review your claim.
Keeping your claim up-to-date
When an application is made for Council Tax Benefit a declaration is signed which confirms that you will advise us of any change in your circumstances which may affect your claim.
It is important you advise us as soon as the change happens to allow us to check that the correct amount of Council Tax Benefit is paid.
It is the responsibility of the claimant to advise us of any change in circumstances. If you don't it may result in an overpayment.
Discretionary Housing Payments
If you are receiving Council Tax Benefit and are still having difficulty you may be able to get additional help from the Discretionary Housing Benefit.
If you require further information please contact us.