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  • Council tax benefit - new claim
  • Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)

Council tax benefit - new claim

This Council aims to provide an efficient service and the information given explains the basic facts about Council Tax.

Entitlement to Council Tax Benefit

If you are on a low income or are unemployed you may be entitled to some help towards your Council Tax bill. The amount of help you are entitled to depends upon your income and capital, your personal circumstances and the circumstances of any other people who live with you who are aged 18 or over.

Check if you would qualify - Benefit calculator Opens in a new window

How to make a claim:

1. If you make a claim for Income Support, Job Seeker's Allowance (either Income Based or Contribution Based) or Incapacity Benefit, the Job Centre Plus will complete a form for you, send it to the Benefit Section at the Council and they will assess if you will be entitled to receive Council Tax Benefit.
2. If you do not claim any of the Benefits outlined in 1 above, but do claim some other Benefit such as Pension Credit or have a low income, you must make a claim direct to the Council. If you have claimed Pension Credit you will have received a form to complete for Council Tax Benefit from the Pension Service, otherwise application forms are available from the Civic Centre or any Area Office. You can telephone the Benefit Office and a form will be sent to you. (0845 1211 555) or apply online at Application for Housing Benefit.

If you need help completing the form or advice on how to claim, please contact the Benefit Office or call in at an area office. (Telephone 0845 1211 555).

When to claim:

You should make a claim for Council Tax Benefit immediately you think you need it. Benefit cannot normally be backdated.

How much help can you receive?

If you are in receipt of Income Support, Job Seeker's Allowance (Income Based) or Guaranteed Pension Credit the amount of Council Tax Benefit you get may mean you have nothing to pay. If you do not receive Income Support, Job Seeker's Allowance (Income Based) or Guaranteed Pension Credit but have a low income the amount of benefit will be worked out taking into account your personal circumstances, income and savings.

If you have other people living with you, for example, a working son or daughter you may receive less Council Tax Benefit.

Second Adult Rebate

If you are a person sharing your home with one or more other people (not including your partner) and nobody pays you any rent, you may be able to claim Council Tax Benefit based on their income and circumstances. In this instance your own income and savings will not be taken into account.

Second Adult Rebate Opens in a new window

If you change address you must let us know your old address and your new address.