Can I Claim Council Tax Benefit?
We want everyone who would qualify for Council Tax Benefit to claim the help they are entitled to receive. You may be entitled to Council Tax Benefit that will cover some or all of your Council Tax liability. Read on to find out more.
Council Tax Benefit
Second Adult Rebate
Can I make a claim for Council Tax Benefit?
You can make a claim for Council Tax Benefit if:
- You own your home (either outright or you have a mortgage).
- You are the person whose name is on the Council Tax Bill.
- If you are jointly responsible for Council Tax we can help pay your share of the bill.
Which people are not entitled to claim Council Tax Benefit?
You will not be entitled to any Council Tax Benefit if:
- You are not responsible for paying the Council Tax bill.
- Either you or your partner, or both of you together, have more than £16000 in savings (unless you get the guaranteed part of Pension Credit).
- You are an asylum seeker, unless you've been given refugee status or indefinite or exceptional leave (also called discretionary or humanitarian leave) to remain in the United Kingdom.
- You have been admitted to the United Kingdom on the condition that you have no recourse to public funds. This means that you must not claim benefits.
- You are a sponsored immigrant and have lived here for less than five years.
- You are in the United Kingdom illegally or your permission to stay has run out.
It is advisable to visit our webpage People from Abroad, if you are considering making a claim for Council Tax Benefit, but are newly arrived in or recently returned to the United Kingdom.
Council Tax Benefit and Equity Release
Equity Release is a way that older homeowners can use their homes to generate income and capital, whilst still continuing to live there.
If the homeowner is receiving Council Tax Benefit and opts for Equity Release, it could mean that they are no longer entitled to Council Tax Benefit, or their entitlement is reduced. It is, therefore, very important that they notify Sheffield Benefits Service if they decide to release the equity in their home.
There are many different Equity Release schemes available and anyone considering it is strongly recommended to seek expert advice before doing so. Age Concern has produced information about Equity Release and Income-Related Benefits.
Are there any other ways I can reduce my Council Tax bill?
If you share you home with other non-dependant adults, who are on low income, and you do not have a partner, you may be able to claim a Second Adult Rebate.
If you or someone who lives with you has a disability, and your home has been adapted to meet the needs of the disabled person, you may qualify for a reduction in your Council Tax. This is known as Disabled Person's Relief.
Information about other discounts can be found on the Council Tax webpages.
Go to Points of Contact for Benefits Help to find out what to do and where to go to get further information.
Am I entitled to other benefits?
Find out if you may be entitled to other benefits by using the Department for Work and Pensions' online Benefits Adviser Service. Just answer some straightforward questions about your circumstances and the Benefits Adviser can provide information and entitlement advice on 28 benefits, pensions and credits.
If you would like more information on benefits, pensions and credits that are not provided by us but are provided by the Department for Work and Pensions, take a look at the Direct Gov website.
What is Second Adult Rebate?
Second Adult Rebate, which we often refer to as 2AR, is another way of helping people to pay less Council Tax. You may be able to get a Second Adult Rebate even if you do not normally qualify for Council Tax Benefit.
Under what circumstances can I claim Second Adult Rebate?
You can claim if you have someone living with you who stops you getting Single Person discount, but is not able to help you to pay your full Council Tax.
The person you share your home with must not be your partner. They must be:
- Aged 18 years or over
- Not paying you rent
- Not paying Council Tax themselves
- On a low income
Usually, you cannot claim Second Adult Rebate if you are jointly responsible for paying Council Tax with someone else. However, if you are jointly responsible with someone who is not counted for Council Tax purposes, you may be able to claim Second Adult Rebate. You will find more information about people who are not counted for Council Tax purposes in Other Discounts on the Council Tax web pages.
I get Council Tax Benefit; can I claim Second Adult Rebate as well?
No, if you already get Council Tax Benefit, you will not need to claim Second Adult Rebate. If you are entitled to Council Tax Benefit and Second Adult Rebate, you will get the one that gives you the most money.
How much could I get?
The most Second Adult Rebate that we can pay is 25% of your Council Tax bill.
Do I have to provide you with details of my income and capital to claim Second Adult Rebate?
No, your income and savings will not affect your entitlement to Second Adult Rebate, because it is based on the other person’s circumstances.
If you don’t need details of my circumstances, who claims Second Adult Rebate, me or the person living with me?
The person who is responsible for paying the Council Tax bill and not the second adult must make the claim for Second Adult Rebate. Although we will need to know the claimant’s National Insurance number and see proof of their identity, we will only need proof of the second adult’s income and capital.
How do I make a claim for Second Adult Rebate or get more information?
To claim Second Adult Rebate you will need to complete a claim form. You can obtain a claim form by post, by phone, by fax or by email. Alternatively, you can collect one in person. Go to Points of Contact for Benefits Help, for more information about how to contact us, including addresses and opening times.