Are apprentices disregarded for Council Tax?
An apprentice can be disregarded for Council Tax if they are training towards a recognised qualification and are paid no more than a set low amount. Being disregarded can reduce the household bill. You apply to your council with confirmation from the employer.
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Check what you're owed →For Council Tax, an apprentice is someone employed to learn a trade or profession while studying towards an accredited qualification, and whose pay is low enough to fall within the rules. When they qualify, they are not counted as an adult resident.
This often helps young people living with one other adult, as the household can move to a single adult discount. It can also help where several disregarded people, such as apprentices and students, share a home.
The employer normally provides a statement confirming the apprenticeship, the qualification being worked towards and the rate of pay. Because the pay limit and qualification rules are specific, it is worth confirming eligibility and checking whether other reductions apply to the household too.
How to claim the apprentice disregard
- Confirm the apprenticeship. Check the role is a recognised apprenticeship working towards an accredited qualification.
- Get an employer statement. Ask the employer for written confirmation of the training, qualification and pay rate.
- Apply to your council. Submit the apprentice disregard form with the employer evidence.
- Check the discount. Review your bill to confirm the apprentice has been disregarded and the discount applied.
Frequently asked questions
- What makes someone an apprentice for Council Tax?
- They must be employed to learn a trade while studying for a recognised qualification and be paid at or below the low threshold the rules set.
- Does any apprentice qualify?
- Not automatically. The qualification must be accredited and the pay must be low enough, so a well-paid trainee may not meet the test.
- What evidence is needed?
- Usually a letter from the employer confirming the apprenticeship, the qualification and the pay, which the council will check.
- Can this combine with other disregards?
- Yes. If the household includes other disregarded people such as students, the combined effect may be a larger reduction or even an exemption.
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