A Guide to Housing Benefit and Local Council Tax Reduction

Housing and Local Council Tax Reduction is a means tested benefit administered by the Council. 


Who can claim Housing Benefit?

Anyone who has to pay rent can apply for Housing Benefit, even if you are in work and on a low income.

In some cases, even though someone has to pay rent, they are not always entitled to Housing Benefit. For example when someone:

  • Lives with a close relative, who is also the landlord
  • Sets up a tenancy in order to take advantage of the Housing Benefit scheme e.g. on a non-commercial basis
  • Has income which is too high to qualify
  • Has capital or savings in excess of £16,000
  • Falls into categories which are excluded from claiming e.g. certain students.  

Who can claim Local Council Tax Reduction?

Anyone who has a liability to pay Council Tax can apply for Local Council Tax Reduction, even if you already get a discount on your Council Tax i.e. if you live alone.

You can claim even if you work and have a low income.

In some cases, even though you have a liability to pay council tax you would not be entitled to Local Council Tax Reduction. For example when someone:

  • Has income which is too high to qualify
  • Is of working age and has capital or savings in excess of £6000 (pensionable age level is £16000)

To make a claim please visit our online forms page.

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