Guide to Council Tax and Housing benefit
The rules about how benefit is paid can be confusing. This online guide is here to answer your questions.
Council Tax benefit
Council Tax benefit is an allowance for people on a low income to help them pay Council Tax. There are two main types; Council tax benefit and Second adult rebate
We are responsible for working out and paying Council Tax benefit using rules set by the government.
Who can get Council Tax benefit?
If you pay Council Tax, have a low income, and limited capital, you can claim Council Tax benefit.
If you live with a partner, only one of you can claim Council Tax benefit. Your entitlement will be calculated by adding together the income and capital of you and your partner.
Capital means anything that could provide you with an income, e.g. savings, property or land.
If you are living with someone who is not your partner and they are on a low income, you may be able to claim Second Adult Rebate.
How much Council Tax benefit could I get?
Depending on your circumstances, Council Tax benefit can cover the whole of your Council Tax bill.
The online benefits calculator can provide you with an instant estimate of your entitlement to Council Tax and Housing benefit.
Second Adult Rebate
Second Adult Rebate is a form of Council Tax Benefit that can be paid instead of, but not as well as, the main type of Council Tax Benefit.
It is paid when you are living with a person that is not your partner, who is in receipt of Income Support or has a low income.
The maximum rebate you can receive is 25% of your full Council Tax Bill.
When to claim
Make a claim as soon as possible so that you don't miss out on money that is rightfully yours. Our customer service centre is open Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.30pm.
How to Claim
You will need to complete a Council Tax and Housing benefit application form, which you can download or collect from the Council's Customer Service Centre in the town centre. Forms are also available from the Citizens Advice Bureau.
If you claim income support or jobseeker's allowance ask Job Centre Plus for form HCTB1. Telephone 0845 6032451.
or
If you are on a low income, fill in one of our forms and we will work out your benefit.
If you need help filling the form in please ask because we are happy to help you. Telephone 01438 242440.
If you are unable to visit our offices, then we can arrange for a member of the benefits team to visit your home.
How is Council Tax benefit paid?
Council Tax benefit is paid from the Monday after we receive your claim.
It is paid directly into your Council Tax account and is shown as a reduction on your bill.
If you have good reason for not putting in your claim earlier, please tell us your reason in writing and we may be able to backdate your claim.