There are two benefits available for people who have to pay Council Tax:

Council Tax Benefit 

Second Adult Rebate (further information is available on the Second Adult Rebate page)

You cannot receive both Council Tax Benefit and Second Adult Rebate at the same time. If you qualify for both, we will give you the one that will reduce your Council Tax the most. Our Benefit Team will be able to make the decision for you.

 You can claim Council Tax Benefit if:-

1. you are on Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance
2. you are on a low income, including the self-employed.

You can complete the on-line  Benefit Application form or telephone Customer Services on 01756 706288 to ask for an application form. Our officers are always willing to assist you in completing the forms if you need help.  If you are unable to get into our offices to make a claim, we have a Home Visitor.

(Please note that telephone calls may be recorded for training and monitoring purposes).

Information we need

1. Complete the application form and return it to us enclosing proof of your income and savings.
2. If you are paid weekly please send your last 5 payslips. If you are paid monthly we need your last 2 payslips.
3. If you are self-employed please send us your recent accounts. If you cannot do this, please let us know and we will discuss ways to help you.

Do not delay sending in your claim form even if the proof we ask for is not available at the moment. Any delay in sending your form will reduce the amount of benefit payable to you.

Your benefit usually starts from the Monday after we get your claim form. If you think your benefit should start earlier please complete the appropriate section on the claim form, stating when you think your benefit should start, and why you have delayed your claim. Your benefit can be backdated by up to 52 weeks if you have a good reason for not claiming earlier.

What happens when your claim is decided

We will send you a letter telling you how we worked out your Council Tax Benefit.  Please check the information in this letter very carefully.  If there is anything you think is wrong, you MUST tell us straight away.

We will deduct your Council Tax Benefit from your Council Tax account and issue a revised Council Tax bill.

Appealing against a decision made about your Council Tax Benefit claim

You can appeal if you think your Council Tax Benefit is incorrect.  An appeal form is available to download, complete and return to us.