On this page: How to claim for Council Tax Benefit.
Council Tax Benefit is help towards your Council Tax bill. If you are the person who is liable for the Council Tax bill, and you are living on a low income, you can apply for Council Tax Benefit.
Who is Entitled to Benefits
If you are living on a low income, you may be entitled to claim Council Tax Benefit.
You might also be eligible if you are:
- Claiming Employment Support Allowance
- Claiming Incapacity Benefit
- Claiming Income Support
- Receive Pension Credit
- Are in employment but on a low income
If your savings and investments are over £16,000 you are not entitled to claim Council Tax Benefit, unless you are aged over 60 and receive Guaranteed Pension Credit.
How Much You Might Receive
We will decide how much Council Tax Benefit you can receive based on:
- Your income
- Your savings
- How much rent and Council Tax you pay
- What is included in your rent
- The circumstances of other people living with you
- Whether you are claiming other benefits or tax credits
Benefits Calculator
To find out if you might be entitled to claim Council Tax Benefit, please use the Benefits Calculator.
Second Adult Rebate
This is a type of Council Tax Benefit.
If you share your home with another adult, and you are the person who is liable for the Council Tax bill, but your earnings, savings and investments are above the level for claiming Council Tax Benefit, you may be able to claim Second Adult Rebate if the other adult:
- Is over the age of 18 years
- Is not your partner
- Is living on a low income
- Does not pay any Council Tax for your home or another property
- Does not pay you any rent
If you are not entitled to claim Council Tax Benefit or Second Adult Rebate, you may still be able to get help with your Council Tax by getting a Discount or Exemption (if you meet the specific criteria) - please see Council Tax - Discounts and Exemptions.
Free School Meals
If you are entitled to receive Council Tax Benefit, and you have children attending school, you may be entitled to free school meals for your children.
How to Apply
In order to claim Council Tax Benefit, you need to complete an application form and send or bring it to us with certain accompanying documents (this is explained in form).
The form is available as a downloadable PDF file: