Council Tax Benefit

Council Tax Benefit helps people on low income to pay their Council Tax bill. It is assessed by comparing your household, any other adults living with you and your personal circumstances with your income.

It does not matter if you already get a discount on your Council Tax, for example: if you live alone.

Only the person liable for paying the Council Tax can apply for benefit.

There are 2 types of Council Tax Benefit:

Main Council Tax Benefit - this is similar to Housing Benefit and will depend on your income, savings and other circumstances; and

Second Adult Rebate - this helps if you share your home with one or more adults. To qualify, the person living with you must:

• Be 18 or over
• Not pay you rent
• Not be your partner or husband or wife; and
• Not be jointly responsible for paying Council Tax

Second Adult Rebate will be based on the other person's circumstances so your income and savings will not affect Second Adult Rebate.

If you are entitled to both Council Tax Benefit and Second Adult Rebate, we will pay you the higher amount.

More information on who can claim Housing and Council Tax Benefit.