Council Tax Support is a scheme to reduce council tax bills for people on a low income. You can apply whether you are in or out of work. Homeowners can also get this help, regardless of the value of your home.

To qualify for Council Tax Support:

• you must be liable for council tax
• your income must be low enough to satisfy the means test
• your savings must not exceed £16,000 (unless you are also receiving the guarantee element of Pension Credit).  Savings over £6,000 (or £10,000 for pensioners) will affect how much you get.

Your award is generally credited directly to your council tax bill.

How much you get

From 1 April 2020, Council Tax Support covers up to 100% of the council tax bill.

How much you get depends on your income, savings and circumstances.

You will receive maximum help if you are on one of the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee

Your Council Tax Support may be reduced if other adults live with you at home. This is known as a non-dependant deduction.

How to claim

Claims must usually be made online. You can request for claims to be backdated for up to six months for people of working age, or up to three months for people who have reached pension age. 

If you receive Universal Credit you have to make a separate claim for Council Tax Support. Remember to claim within one month to ensure that you do not miss out.

COVID19: We are receiving a high number of applications at the moment, we will process these as soon as possible. If you have received the acknowledgement for the claim being submitted you do not need to chase the application up. If you are struggling with financial or other concerns during the COVID-19 outbreak, please visit our Benefit and Hardship page to find out about additional sources of support that may be available.

Start your application now  

Other help with council tax

Even if you cannot get Council Tax Support, you could qualify for a council tax discount or exemption, for example if you live alone, or if your home has been adapted to meet the needs of a disabled person. You may also qualify for a Second Adult Rebate if you share your home with another adult (not your partner) who cannot pay towards the council tax. Other ways to reduce your council tax bill.