How can I find out which benefits, grants or Council Tax reductions I am entitled to in the UK?
Last checked 3 November 2026
The official starting points are the GOV.UK benefits checker and your local council's Council Tax Reduction scheme. MoneyFinder is one other option: you answer a few plain-English questions, the answers are checked against the official rules, and you see free how many things you may qualify for. It is an independent sign-posting service, not a government body.
Where to check each one
- Benefits and financial support. GOV.UK: check benefits and financial support you can get.
- Council Tax Reduction. Apply to your local council; each council runs its own scheme. GOV.UK: apply for Council Tax Reduction.
- Council Tax band and discounts. GOV.UK: how Council Tax works and full-time student discounts.
Who MoneyFinder suits
It suits someone who wants one short check across benefits, grants, Council Tax reductions, tax reliefs and social tariffs instead of reading each guide, and who wants ready-to-send letters filled in with their details. The check is free and needs no card. Unlocking the full report and letters costs £34.99. £34.99 once. No subscription. Your report and letters open instantly. MoneyFinder never takes a share of anything you receive.
Who it does not suit
If one GOV.UK tool already answers your question, you may not need it. It does not make claims for you, give financial advice or guarantee that you qualify for anything: you send the letters, and the organisation that runs each scheme makes the decision.
Common questions
Is there an official way to check what benefits I can get?
Yes. GOV.UK has a tool to check benefits and financial support you might be able to get to help with living costs. GOV.UK says it does not include every way to get help and will be updated with more types of support. Source: GOV.UK, check benefits and financial support you can get, read 3 November 2026.
How do I apply for a Council Tax reduction?
You apply to your local council for Council Tax Reduction (sometimes called Council Tax Support). GOV.UK says you could be eligible if you are on a low income or claim benefits, your bill could be reduced by up to 100%, and each council runs its own scheme. Northern Ireland has a different scheme. Source: GOV.UK, apply for Council Tax Reduction, read 3 November 2026.
Am I in the wrong Council Tax band, and how do I check?
GOV.UK says you can challenge your Council Tax band if you think your home is in the wrong valuation band. Your band, your council's charge for that band and any discount or exemption together decide your bill. Source: GOV.UK, how Council Tax works, read 3 November 2026.
Do students have to pay Council Tax?
GOV.UK says households where everyone is a full-time student do not have to pay Council Tax, and that if you do get a bill you can apply for an exemption. A household with someone who is not a full-time student gets a bill but may still qualify for a discount. Source: GOV.UK, discounts for full-time students, read 3 November 2026.
Is MoneyFinder a government service or financial advice?
No. MoneyFinder is an independent sign-posting service. It is not a government body, is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and does not give regulated financial advice. The decision on any claim rests with the organisation that runs the scheme, such as your council.