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Council Tax Benefit is where the council pays some or all of your Council Tax for you.  How much the council pays depends on your circumstances, or the circumstances of certain other adults who live with you. 

The person who is liable for Council tax in your property is the one who must apply.  However you can apply on someone's behalf.  If you're unsure you can always contact us.

Apply for Council Tax Benefit

Use our online Council Tax Benefit calculator to find out how much Council Tax Benefit you could be entitled to.  You will then be able to submit your claim online.

Advantages of our online Council Tax Benefits calculator and claim form

  • You can apply for both Housing and Council Tax Benefits at the same time
  • You can save your form and go back to it
  • You can access the online benefits calculator 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
  • Save time and money on sending in the application form, because it's online we receive the application form as soon as it's completed.  This means that we can deal with your claim quicker.

What is Council Tax Benefit?

It is a means-tested benefit that is paid by the Council. There are 2 types of Council Tax Benefit.

  • Main Council Tax Benefit, which is based on the claimant's council tax liability, needs and income.
  • Second Adult Rebate. A person might get this if they share their home with another adult (not a partner or civil partner) who is unable to pay towards the Council Tax. 

Who can apply for Council Tax Benefits?

Anyone can claim main Council Tax Benefit providing they are:

  • Over 18 and liable to pay Council Tax in respect of a dwelling; and
  • a resident of that dwelling

However, you will not normally qualify for any Council Tax Benefit if:

  • you have savings over £16,000 (as a couple or single person)
  • you're a full time student, unless you are disabled or have children. (The non-student partner of a full-time student can make the claim)
  • you're not the person who pays Council Tax
  • you're seeking asylum
  • you are living in the UK under a sponsorship agreement

Help completing the form 

Online form

The great advantage with the online form is that you get help instantly and at any time.  If you're unsure of a question on the form there will be a help symbol that you can click on to get help. 

Paper form

If you have any difficulty completing the paper form then please contact us

You will be required to provide proof of identification when you make an application for Council Tax Benefit.

What happens next?

Once we have received your form and all of the necessary documentation your claim will be worked out.  You will then receive a letter which will confirm how much benefit you have been awarded, and from when. Whichever type of Council Tax Benefit is awarded, the benefit is credited to your Council Tax account, and an amended Council Tax bill will then be issued showing the reduced amount of Council Tax payable to the end of the financial year.

A claimant cannot be awarded both Council Tax Benefits at the same time, so if the person qualifies for both, they are awarded, whichever of the two is higher (this is called a "better buy" comparison).  

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