Introduction
What is council tax support?
Council tax support is a scheme to help people on low income or welfare benefits pay their council tax. The amount of support you are entitled to depends on the amount of income and capital you have, your household circumstances and whether you are working age or pensionable age.
The maximum amount of council tax support
Council tax support is calculated on:
- 85% of your council tax liability, if you are a working age claimant; or
- 100% of your council tax liability, if you are a pensionable age claimant.
What is meant by pensionable age?
A person who is ‘pensionable age’ is someone who has reached the age to qualify for State Pension Credit; and either he/she or his/her partner (if he/she has one) are not claiming Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based), Employment and Support Allowance (income related), or Universal Credit (when this is implemented).
If either the claimant or their partner is claiming Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance (income-based), Employment and Support Allowance (income-related), or Universal Credit then they will be treated as a working age claimant.
Who can claim council tax support?
With a few exceptions, anyone who is liable for council tax can claim council tax support.
The main exceptions are:
- Some people with capital and/or assets of £16,000 or more
- Certain people from abroad
- Certain students
You must be living in the UK to claim council tax Support. If you are from overseas or have recently come to live in the UK you may not be entitled to claim, depending on your immigration status.