Other discounts and housing benefits

Council tax assumes that there are at least two people in each property. If there is only one person in a property the council tax is reduced by 25%.

Some people are ignored when counting the number of people in a property, including people aged 17 and under and live-in care workers.

If the person who lives with you falls into one of the categories who don’t count for council tax, you can’t also claim second adult rebate for them.

Discretionary Housing Payments are extra payments, not part of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit, but they are handled by the same authorities. They can only be given to people who qualify for at least some Housing Benefit or Main Council Tax Benefit. You can claim for these if there is a gap between the eligible rent or council tax you have to pay and the amount of benefit you get to cover it. Your local authority can give you a form to apply for Discretionary Housing Payment, or you can write a letter requesting it.

Disability can be considered when a local authority decides whether you qualify for Discretionary Housing Payment, so it’s important to give all details of any disability needs. If you aren’t given the payment, there is no right to appeal, but you can ask a local authority to look at a decision again if you aren’t happy with it.

You may be eligible for Council Tax Reduction using the scheme for disabled people, please see below.

Council Tax Benefit Extended Payment can be available for 4 weeks when a person ceases to be entitled to Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance (Income Based) Employment Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance because of their employment. To obtain this benefit your employment must be expected to last for 5 weeks or more.

The Government Energy Assistance Packages are still available and provide free loft, pipes, and tank insulation, or free cavity wall insulation, or Central Heating and heater controls upgraded, or draught proofing for outside doors and windows. If you or your partner have any one or more of the following, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit, Income Based Jobseekers, Income Support, Constant Attendance Allowance, mobility supplement, available to you and if you own or rent your home, you could be eligible. Check with the Energy Saving Trust.

This information sheet only offers general information. If you think you should be able to claim Council Tax Benefit, you should contact your local authority Housing Office.