Council Tax Benefits

Which benefit can I claim?
You cannot get both Council Tax Benefit and Second Adult Rebate at the same time. If you qualify for both, we will give you the one that will reduce your Council Tax the most.

Can I claim Council Tax Benefit?
You can claim Council Tax Benefit if you are the person (or one of the persons) who is responsible for paying the Council Tax for the property you live in and:-

• you are getting Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance (income based) or Guarantee element of Pension Credit
• you have a low income, even if you are in full-time work or self-employed

You cannot get Council Tax Benefit if:

• You are not directly responsible for paying the Council Tax
• You (or your partner) have capital or savings of £16,000 or more (some capital can be disregarded, contact the Benefits Section for further information)
• Most full-time students who live alone cannot claim Council Tax Benefit because their home will be exempt from Council Tax. But you may be able to claim if your partner is a full-time student and you are not.

Benefit is calculated by comparing your household and personal circumstances with your income and savings/capital. We also have to take into account any other adults who live with you.

If you are not sure whether you could claim or not, please contact the Benefits Section for further information.

You must still pay your Council Tax while you are waiting for a claim for Council Tax Benefit or Second Adult Rebate to be processed.

How will my Council Tax Benefit be paid?
We will pay your Council Tax Benefit straight to your Council Tax account. You will get a bill showing any amount you have to pay after benefit has been awarded.