Council Tax Benefit

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Council Tax Benefit

What is it?
Who is it for?
How is it worked out?
Some Examples
What should I do next?
Who to Contact

What is it?

Council Tax Benefit helps pay towards or covers your council tax bill, whether you rent or own your home, or live rent-free.

Who is it for?

People on low income who pay council tax may be entitled to help. The introduction of Pension Credit means many more pensioners now qualify for Council Tax Benefit for the first time. But you do not have to be receiving Pension Credit or other benefits to be eligible.

How is it worked out?

The council will look at the money you and your partner have coming in as well as your savings. The council will also look at your other circumstances such as your age and whether anyone else lives with you. With this information the council will work out if you qualify for Council Tax Benefit. If you can get Council Tax Benefit, this will not affect the amount of money you receive in other benefits.

Here are Some Examples

Amy is aged 70 and lives with her husband Bert. They both receive a state retirement pension of £84.25 a week. Bert also receives a works pension of £85 per week. So their combined income is £253.50 a week. They thought they had too high an income to qualify for Council Tax Benefit.

They were surprised to find they were entitled to £226 off their Council Tax Bill.

Camilla is aged 68 and lives on her own. She receives a state retirement pension of £84.25 a week. Camilla also receives a works pension of £80 per week. So her total income is £164.25 a week. She thought she had too high an income to qualify for Council Tax Benefit.

She was surprised to find that she was entitled to £269 off her Council Tax Bill.

Don is aged 72 and lives on his own. He receives a state retirement pension of £84.25 a week. Don also receives a works pension of £60 per week. He has £15,000 savings in a building society account. He thought he had too high an income to qualify for Council Tax Benefit.

He was surprised to find that he was entitled to £313 off his Council Tax Bill.

What should I do next?

Claim straight away - Council Tax Benefit is available now.

You can get the claim form from any of these places:

Or download a form now...

Application for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit 782.26 KB

Who to Contact

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Revenues Division Exchequer and Support Services Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne Lancs OL6 6DL View local map
0161 342 3708
0161 342 2676/2012
Customer Service Centres

Page last updated: 9 May 2008