I am on benefits. Am I entitled to a reduction of my council tax bill?

If you receive income support - all of your council tax will usually be paid.

You can still get help with your council tax bill from your local council if you do not get income support but have:

a low income
and savings of less than £16,000.

You can claim even if you are in paid work as well as if you are too ill to work, are a pensioner or unemployed.

If you normally work but, cannot work due to temporary illness - you may qualify.

How much help you can get with council tax depends on how much you are liable to pay and how much your weekly income is.

Not all of your income counts. Certain things are ignored. For example:

Any attendance and disability living allowances
up to £15 of maintenance payments per week
up to £25 of any earnings after stoppages per week
if you have children under the age of 15, and pay for childcare, up to £150 that you pay can be ignored for the purpose of calculating weekly income.

The way that benefit is worked out is not straightforward, but if you think you may be entitled, contact the Benefits Helpline or ask your local district or borough council for a claim form.

Even if you cannot get council tax benefit you may still be entitled to a reduction to lower your total bill if:

A disabled person lives in the property
a room is needed for that person
there is an extra kitchen or bathroom to meet the needs of a disabled person.

For further details about council tax benefit, please use the following links:

Alternatively, you can telephone your district or borough council for further information.

If you think you are missing out on Council Tax Benefit, you can contact the council's Welfare Rights Department on 0845 120 2985 Monday to Friday, 11am to 4.30pm for free advice.