Council tax benefits

Call our Benefits Hotline on 0845 120 2985, Monday to Friday between 11am and 4.30pm.

Can you get a council tax or rent rebate? 
If you get income support all of your rent and/or council tax will usually be paid. You can still get help with these costs 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 rent and 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
  • up to £25 of any earnings after stoppages
  • 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 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.            
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