Council Tax Benefit

Council Tax is a monthly tax that you pay on your property. The amount you will have to pay depends on the value of your home. You may be entitled to reductions on your Council Tax if you live alone or have a disability. You usually do not have to pay any Council Tax if you are a student or if you have a ‘severe mental impairment’, for example, if you suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

If you have a low income you may be entitled to Council Tax Benefit, which results in a reduction of your Council Tax bill. The amount of Council Tax Benefit you receive will influence the amount you will be required to pay. You may not have to pay Council Tax at all, or you may be entitled to pay a reduced rate of Council Tax. This will depend on your individual circumstances.

When you make a claim for Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income Support, you should automatically be given a claim form for Council Tax Benefit as well. If not you should contact your local council, found in your local phone book, or your local Jobcentre for assistance and a claim form. Council Tax Benefit will usually not be paid to you directly, it will appear in the form of a reduction on your Council Tax bill. Council Tax Benefit will be agreed on by your local council. If you move home to a new council area, you will have to claim Council Tax Benefit again to receive the benefit in your new area. You can claim Council Tax Benefit up to thirteen weeks before you wish to receive it, thus you can ensure you are entitled to Council Tax Benefit in your new home before you move and avoid any unnecessary expenses. Inform the benefits service of any changes to your personal circumstances; you may even be entitled to the Council Tax Benefit Extended Payment.