Southampton City Council fact sheet
Council Tax Benefit is a national welfare benefit, which helps people on a low income pay their council tax.
Council Tax Benefit is a means tested benefit, which means that when we work out your benefit we have to take into account your income, savings and investments.
The composition of your household is also taken into account. That means that if you have non-dependants (other adults) in your home, say, grown up sons or daughters, you may get less Council Tax Benefit as we may have to take an amount out of your benefit for each non-dependant who lives with you. More details about this can be found on the fact sheet on non-dependants.
Local Councils run the Council Tax Benefit scheme using Government rules.
Main Council Tax Benefit – where the person, who has to pay the Council Tax is on a low income;
Second Adult Rebate - where someone who lives with the person, who has to pay the Council Tax is on a low income.
You will need to provide original proofs of your and your household’s income and capital.
If you wish to claim this benefit you must complete an application form. This is available from Gateway in the Civic Centre or from your local housing office. Alternatively a form can be requested from the call centre or be printed from the council website. If you apply for an income related benefit a claim form is available from the Department for Work and Pensions.
If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit and think that you may qualify for Council Tax Benefit if your circumstances have changed you must complete a Council Tax Benefit claim form.
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Last updated: 14 April 2011