Council Tax Reduction: who qualifies and how to apply

Council tax By Council Tax Helpline, 10 September 2026

In short

Council Tax Reduction cuts your bill if you are on a low income or claim benefits. It can be up to 100%.
You can get it whether you rent or own your home, and whether or not you work.
You must apply to your council. It is not included automatically with Universal Credit or other benefits.
In England, working-age schemes are set by each council, so the amount varies. Pensioners, and everyone in Wales and Scotland, are covered by national schemes.
Backdating is limited, so apply as soon as your circumstances change.

What is Council Tax Reduction?

Council Tax Reduction is help with your council tax bill if you are on a low income. It replaced Council Tax Benefit in 2013. Some councils call it Council Tax Support. It is the same thing.

It is different from a discount, such as the 25% single person discount. You can get both.

Who can get it

You could be eligible if you are on a low income or claim benefits. You can claim whether you:

Rent or own your home
Are working, unemployed, or retired
Live alone or with others

How much you get depends on your income, savings, who lives with you, any benefits you get, and where you live.

How much can you get?

Up to 100% of your bill. In practice:

Pensioners on the guarantee part of Pension Credit usually get their whole bill covered
Working-age people in England often have to pay at least some council tax, because many councils’ schemes require a minimum payment however low your income
In Wales and Scotland, national schemes can cover up to the whole bill for people of working age too

Why it varies in England

Council Tax Reduction works differently depending on where you live and your age.

Where you live	Pension age	Working age
England	National scheme	Your council’s own scheme, so it varies
Wales	National scheme	National scheme
Scotland	National scheme	National scheme

In England, two people in the same circumstances can get different amounts in neighbouring council areas. Check your own council’s scheme on its website.

Universal Credit

If you claim Universal Credit, you still need to apply for Council Tax Reduction separately, to your council. It is not included automatically. Many people on Universal Credit miss out because they assume it is.

Disability benefits, PIP and Attendance Allowance

Disability benefits such as PIP, Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance are usually ignored as income, and can increase the amount of Council Tax Reduction you get.

There is also separate help if someone in your home is disabled:

The disabled band reduction, if your home has been adapted or has extra space for a disabled person
The severe mental impairment disregard, for example for someone with dementia. See discounts and exemptions

Carers

Carer’s Allowance counts as income for Council Tax Reduction. But if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and live with them, you may also be disregarded for council tax, which can bring a discount. See discounts and exemptions.

Quick check

Could you be paying too much?

Tick anything that applies to your home.

Only one adult lives in the home
Single person discount: 25% off. How it works
Someone is a full-time student, an apprentice, or under 18
They are not counted. That can mean 25% off, or no bill at all if everyone is a student. How it works
Someone has dementia, a severe learning disability or a similar condition, and gets a disability benefit
Severe mental impairment: 25% off, 50% off, or no bill at all. It can be backdated for years. How it works
Someone gives 35 hours or more of care a week to a person they live with
The carer may not be counted, which can bring a discount. How it works
A disabled person lives here and needs an extra room, a second bathroom or kitchen, or uses a wheelchair indoors
Disabled band reduction: charged at one band lower. Not means-tested. How it works
Your income is low, or you get Universal Credit, Pension Credit or another benefit
Council Tax Reduction can cut the bill, and on Pension Credit it often covers all of it. How it works
The home is empty because the person who lived there died, moved into care, or is in prison
The home may be exempt: no council tax at all. How it works
Someone aged 18 to 24 has left local authority care
Care leavers are exempt in Wales and Scotland, and most councils in England exempt them too. How it works

Not sure what you are entitled to? We can check for you.

Ask us to check, free

How to apply

Apply to your own council, usually online on its website. GOV.UK can find your council from your postcode.
Have details of your income, savings, benefits, rent and household ready.
Apply straight away. Do not wait until you are behind.

If you are turned down, or get less than you expected, ask your council to look again. In England and Wales you can then appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.

Backdating

Backdating is limited, so claim as soon as your circumstances change.

People over State Pension age in England can have a claim backdated by up to three months without giving a reason
For working-age people in England, it depends on your council’s scheme, and is often short

A missed claim cannot always be put right later, so it pays not to wait.

Hardship help

If Council Tax Reduction does not cover the bill and you are struggling, ask your council about discretionary help. Councils in England and Wales can reduce anyone’s council tax, and many run a hardship fund. It is not automatic, so ask in writing and explain your circumstances.

If you are already behind

Council Tax Reduction reduces your bill from the date it starts, and any backdated period. It does not clear arrears from before that. For those:

Agree a special payment arrangement
Ask to pay this year’s bill over 12 months instead of 10
If you have other debts too, consider a debt management plan that includes council tax arrears

Where are you with your council tax?

Choose the one that fits best and an adviser will call you back. Free, confidential, and no obligation.

Takes about 3 minutes.