Housing and council tax benefits

Am I eligible?

Council Tax Benefit helps people with low incomes and low savings to pay their Council Tax.  There are two types of Council Tax Benefit - Council Tax Benefit and Second Adult Rebate.

You can claim Council tax benefit if:

• you are responsible for paying the Council tax bill
• you are on a low income
• you (and your partner) don't have more than £16,000 in savings or capital, unless you are getting Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit).
  

To assess your claim you will be required to provide proof of your income and savings.

Examples of proof you may need to provide

If you have a partner we will include their income and savings when we work out any benefit entitlement. We may also take into account the income of any other adults living with you in certain circumstances (we call these non-dependants).

If you are entitled we will usually pay Council Tax Benefit from the Monday after we receive your claim.
We will also check our information against information held by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and employers.

How do I apply?

You can apply by downloading and completing our Housing and Council Tax Benefit form.  This should be returned to your nearest contact centre. 

If you answered YES to part 6 of the main housing benefit and council tax benefit form, also complete the Self Employed Earnings form.