What is Council Tax Benefit?
About the Council Tax Benefit scheme
Council Tax Benefit is a national welfare benefit scheme that helps people on a low income pay council tax for the home they live in.
Local councils run the scheme using rules laid down by the government.
Waverley's scheme is run by the Benefits Section, which is part of our Resources Department.
Council Tax Benefit is one of two benefits available to help people who have to pay Council Tax. The other is Second Adult Rebate
Council Tax Benefit is separate from any discounts or exemptions awarded by the Council Tax Service to reduce your Council Tax bill.
You cannot get both Council Tax Benefit and Second Adult Rebate at the same time. If you qualify for both, we will give you the one that pays the most.
How much is Council Tax Benefit?
Council Tax Benefit is a means-tested benefit so the amount of benefit you get depends on:
- your income
- your savings or capital
- the amount of your council tax
- other people living with you
You cannot get Council Tax Benefit if you (and your partner) have more than £16,000 in savings or capital, unless you are getting the guaranteed part of Pension Credit.
(A partner is some one you are married to; someone you live with as if you are married to them; a civil partner; or, someone you live with as if you are civil partners).
Making a new claim?
If you're making a new claim for:
- Income Support
- Jobseeker's Allowance
- Incapacity Benefit ,
Jobcentre Plus will take details for Council Tax Benefit (and Housing Benefit) at the same time, over the phone.
Please see Making a new claim for benefit, for more information.
Making a new claim for Pension Credit?
If you are making a new claim for Pension Credit, the Pension Service will give you a separate claim form to fill in for Council Tax Benefit (and Housing Benefit).
You should fill in the form and send it to us straight away.
If your claim for Pension Credit is successful the Pension Service will send the proof of your Pension Credit direct to us and we will use it to work out your Council Tax Benefit (and Housing Benefit, if you are claiming this benefit as well).
Page owner: Penny Anderson. Last updated: 14/12/2010 14:42
Further pages in What is Council Tax Benefit?
- About the Council Tax Benefit scheme
- What is Second Adult Rebate?
Benefits team
Contact the Benefits team for information and advice.
Address: Revenues and Benefits Section
Waverley Borough Council
The Burys
Godalming
GU7 1HR
Tel: 01483 523275
Fax: 01483 523334
