Who can claim benefits?

Benefits and rebates can be claimed if you or other people in your home are on low incomes, even if you are self-employed.
The amount of benefit you will get will depend on your income, savings, and personal circumstances.

COUNCIL TAX BENEFIT - If you pay the Council Tax bill, you can claim this benefit for the property where you live.

SECOND ADULT REBATE - If you are the only person in your home who has to pay council tax, but there is at least one other person aged 18 or over, who is not your partner, and is not living with you as a lodger or paying you rent, you may get a discount based on their income.

HOUSING BENEFIT - You can claim this benefit if you pay rent to a housing association or private landlord.

You may NOT be able to claim Council Tax and/or Housing Benefit if you:

 - are a full-time student, or
 - have capital exceeding £16,000, or
 - are temporarily absent from your home.

You may NOT be able to claim Housing Benefit if you:

 - are a close relative of the landlord and live with the landlord, or
 - pay rent to an ex-partner, or
 - are a long leaseholder (more than 21 years) and pay service charges, or
 - are a Crown Tenant, or
 - live in a registered nursing or care home.

If you fall into one of the above groups, phone us to find out more information, you may still be able to get a discount of 25% off your council tax bill if the person(s) living with you fall into the categories listed on page 5 of the benefit application form and you are the only other resident. 

Last Updated: 27 December 04,
Review Date: 20 September 2005