Council Tax benefits FAQs

Will I get Council Tax Benefit automatically?

No, you will need to claim Council Tax Benefit.

Who can claim Council Tax Benefit?

Only people who pay council tax can claim Council Tax Benefit.

I don't understand why I can't get Council Tax Benefit. What can I do?

You can ask us for a written statement which explains how we came to our decision.

I have been awarded Child Tax Credit. Could this affect my Council Tax Benefit?

Yes it could. You need to contact us as soon as you have been awarded Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit as this may result in an overpayment which you will have to pay back.

Can the Council ask for all the money back, even if it's not my fault?

The Council can ask for the money back, even when it's not your fault. However, if the overpayment was our fault and you couldn't have realised you were getting too much then you do not have to repay the money.