Help with Council Tax
Warning Support with Council Tax during coronavirus
The Government has announced a hardship fund to help vulnerable people and households affected most by coronavirus. Local authorities in England will use the fund to reduce 2020 to 2021 council tax bills of working age people getting Local Council Tax Support.
Local authorities can also use the funding to give further discretionary support through other ways, such as Local Welfare Schemes.
Council Tax costs
Council Tax is what you pay your local authority to cover the cost of services in your area.
How much you pay depends on:
- where you live
- your income, savings and any benefits you claim
- your household income
- who you live with
You may be able to get help with your Council Tax through a discount or reduction scheme. These schemes are different for every council in England and Wales.
The easiest way to find out if you are eligible for help with your Council Tax is to contact your local authority.
You will need:
- your address
- National Insurance number
- details of your household income
- any properties you own and income you make from them
- any benefits you claim
- who you live with and their personal situation
Reduction and discount schemes
There are 3 main ways to get a discount or reduction on your Council Tax:
Single Person Discount
If you are the only adult in your home or live with adults who are exempt, you may qualify for 25% off your Council Tax.
If you live with another adult on a low income who is not your partner, you can apply for a Second Adult Rebate. How much you get off your bill will depend on their income.
Disability Reduction Scheme
This scheme reduces your Council Tax by a band if you or someone you live with is permanently disabled. This scheme looks at your home or 'dwelling'. You may qualify if you have:
- enough space to use a wheelchair indoors
- a room that is used by the disabled person, other than the bathroom or kitchen
- an extra bathroom or kitchen needed by the disabled person
Council Tax Reduction
This is a means-tested scheme. This takes into account your income, savings and any benefits you claim. You can apply if you are on a low income or claiming one of the following:
- Jobseeker's Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
Claiming Universal Credit does not automatically entitle you to help with your Council Tax.
Eligibility varies for every council in England and Wales.
Exemption from council tax
Some people do not need to pay Council Tax, such as:
- people in England and Wales under the Severe Mental Impairment Disregard scheme (GOV.WALES)
- a live-in carer looking after someone for at least 35 hours a week who is not their spouse, partner or child under 18
- full-time students
Applying for help with Council Tax
You can apply for help with your Council Tax through your local authority website, by phone or by paper application.
Check with the council what evidence you need to support your claim. Usually, it's:
- proof of identity, such as a passport or driving licence
- proof of address, such as a recent gas, electricity or water bill
- bank statements
- proof of savings
Your local authority may ask for other information, such as details of other people you live with and proof of other benefits. They will notify you by post about your claim.
Warning
Keep a record
It's a good idea to keep a copy of your application and the evidence you supplied.
You should also ask your local authority for a receipt or confirmation that they received your evidence.
Appeal a decision
If you do not agree with the decision, you can ask your local authority to review it.
If you do not hear back within 2 months or do not agree with the outcome of the review, contact the Valuation Tribunal about your claim.
Last reviewed by Scope on: 14/11/2019
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