In order to qualify to claim council tax relief you must reside in the UK. People from abroad or those who have recently arrived in the UK to set up residence may encounter difficulty in claiming the benefit due to their immigration status.
Eligibility for council tax relief depends on the amount of your income and capital. If you live with your partner only one of you is entitled to claim the benefit and your capital and income will be assessed jointly. Lesbian and gay partners are treated the same as heterosexual partners and the joint assessment applies if your relationship is based on cohabitation, marriage or civil partnership.
If you receive Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income related employment and support allowance or the guarantee credit element of pension credit, then you will receive 100 per cent benefit, covering your entire council tax bill.
However, if other people reside in your household a deduction may be made from your council tax benefit known as a “non-dependant” deduction which is determined by the status of the other non-dependant adult. An adult child living with you may lead to a reduction in the benefit, whereas some other non-dependants will not lead to such a deduction, because of their personal status such as receiving pension credit themselves.
A deduction will not be made if the other adult in your household is your landlord, partner, co-owner or lodger as such persons are not considered “non-dependant”.
Personal injury solicitors can assist in your compensation claim for council tax benefit on a no win no fee basis.
