Thousands on benefits including Universal Credit are missing out on help with key bill
TO YOUR BENEFIT Thousands on benefits including Universal Credit are missing out on help with key bill
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THOUSANDS on benefits, including Universal Credit, are missing out on help with a key bill.
Council tax is an annual fee you pay to your local council. The cost is set by your council and goes towards funding local services.
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We explain how you can help with your council tax bill if you claim Universal Credit
Credit: Alamy
That means the amount you pay varies depending on where you live.
You usually have to pay the charge if you own or rent your home.
But if you claim certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, you could be entitled to a discount on the amount you pay.
The support is given out by local councils in England, so how much you get will depend on where you live, your income, dependants and other benefits.
You can find out if you're eligible by visiting gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction.
To use the tool, you will need to enter your postcode and it will redirect you to your local council's website where you can find out more.
How much you get will also depend on what band you are in.
The bands range from A to H, with A homes paying the least and H the most.
For example, households in Leeds can apply for a Council Tax Support if they claim Universal Credit or Carers Allowance.
In Manchester, you can claim council tax support when you apply for Universal Credit.
Disability benefit explained - what you can claim
If you are already receiving council tax support but are due to be moved across to Universal Credit it is important to tell the council.
The government is in the process of moving people on older benefits, like tax credits and income-based ESA, to the newer Universal Credit system.
You may have received a migration notice in the form of a letter.
As soon as you get this, write to your local council to ensure your support continues.
Charities such as Shelter have information online about how to structure the letter.
You can find out more by visiting, england.shelter.org.uk.
What other Council Tax Support is available?
If you're not receiving benefits or don't qualify for your local authority's low-income council tax support scheme, you may still be eligible for help.
Pensioners may also be able to get a council tax discount if they receive certain benefits.
Those on the guarantee credit element of pension credit could get up to 100% off their bill.
If you do not get guaranteed credit but have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings then you may still get some help.
Meanwhile, if you are a pensioner who lives alone then you will qualify for a 25% discount.
Elsewhere, you could get a 25% council tax reduction if you live on your own or if others at home are classed as "disregarded".
For example, if a single adult lives with a severely mentally impaired person then they can get 25% off their council tax.
Meanwhile, if you live in an all-student household then you do not need to pay any council tax.
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