Council tax benefit
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
Council tax benefit is paid by the Government to help people on low incomes to pay their council tax.
What is council tax benefit?
Council tax benefit is paid by the council to help people pay their council tax. You could be a tenant or a homeowner. More information about council tax and who has to pay it is available from many of Shelter's local advice services - many of our advisers specialise in benefits, care and debt issues as well as housing. You can also get help from other agencies, such as Citizen's Advice. Use our directory to find services in your area.
Who can claim council tax benefit?
If you are liable to pay council tax, you might be able to get council tax benefit if you have a low income, or are receiving welfare benefits.
If you think that you might be entitled to council tax benefit you should submit a claim form. The council tax benefit department will let you know if you are entitled to any help. This will depend on your circumstances.
How much council tax benefit will I get?
How much council tax benefit you get will depend on your circumstances, for example, your income and savings. If you do get council tax benefit, it may not be for the full amount of your council tax charge. There may be a shortfall, which you will have to make up yourself.
If you live with another person who is not your partner and that person is not liable to pay council tax 'Second Adult Rebate'. When you claim council tax benefit your local council should work out whether you are entitled to Second Adult Rebate and, if it is more than the amount of council tax benefit you would be entitled to, you will receive it instead. Contact your local council to find out more.
When should I claim council tax benefit?
If you think that you might be entitled, you should claim as soon as possible. Council tax benefit is usually paid from the Monday after the council tax department receives your claim form, as long as you provide all the information to support your claim within 28 days.
If you think that you might have been entitled at any time in the last year, and you have a good reason for not having claimed earlier (eg because you were ill), you may be able to get your benefit backdated.
I am going to claim, so can I stop paying my council tax?
No. Remember, even if you get full council tax benefit, you will have to keep paying the water and sewerage charge.
If you can afford to, don't stop paying your council tax charge unless you are confident that you will receive full council tax benefit. You may not be entitled to full benefit, leaving you to make up the rest. Council tax benefit claims can take a long time to process and you could be left with large council tax arrears.
If possible, try to find out approximately how much help you might be entitled to when you hand in your form. If you rent your home from the council or a housing association, you should ask whether they have a welfare rights officer who should be able to help you.
Where can I get help and advice about council tax benefit?
If you're having problems with a council tax claim, your local Shelter advice centre may be able to help. Many of our local services have advisers specialising in welfare benefits issues as well as housing. Alternatively, a local Citizens Advice or other advice centre may be able to help you. Use our directory to find services in your area.
