Can I get help with Council Tax on a low income?
If you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, you may be able to get Council Tax Reduction, sometimes called Council Tax Support. It can lower your bill substantially. Each council runs its own scheme, so you apply directly to the authority that bills you.
See everything you may qualify for — benefits, grants, reductions and reliefs — in about 3 minutes. Free to check.
Check what you're owed →Council Tax Reduction is means-tested, which means the help you get depends on your income, savings, household and circumstances. Unlike most national benefits, the rules are set locally, so two people in identical situations in different areas can receive different amounts of support.
Because every council designs its own working-age scheme, the only way to know what you might get is to check your own council. Pension-age applicants are generally protected by national rules, so support there tends to be more consistent across the country.
A reduction can be claimed alongside discounts and exemptions, so you are not choosing between them. It is sensible to apply as soon as your income drops, as awards are often only backdated for a limited period. Checking your wider entitlement to benefits and grants at the same time can make a real difference.
How to apply for Council Tax Reduction
- Identify your council. Use your Council Tax bill or the GOV.UK tool to find the authority that runs your local scheme.
- Gather your details. Collect proof of income, benefits, savings and who lives with you, as the form will ask for these.
- Complete the application. Fill in the Council Tax Reduction form on your council website, or ask for a paper form if you prefer.
- Respond to any follow-up. Send any evidence the council requests promptly so your claim is not delayed or refused.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Council Tax Reduction the same everywhere?
- No. Each council sets its own scheme for working-age residents, so the rules and amounts vary by area. Pension-age rules are set nationally and are more uniform.
- Can I get it if I am working?
- Yes. It is based on low income rather than being out of work, so people in part-time or low-paid jobs can still qualify depending on their council scheme.
- Do savings affect my claim?
- They can. Most schemes have a capital limit above which you cannot claim. The exact threshold depends on your council and whether you are working age or pension age.
- How quickly should I apply?
- As soon as possible. Backdating is usually limited, so delaying a claim can mean losing support you were entitled to.
MoneyFinder is an independent sign-posting service that helps you find financial support you may be entitled to. We are not a government body and do not provide financial advice. Figures are taken from the official sources cited above and were correct when last checked — always confirm current details on the linked GOV.UK pages.