Council Tax

What is it?

Council Tax Benefit is payable to people on a low income who are liable to pay council tax on the property they live in, whether it is rented or owned. It is a means-tested benefit like Housing Benefit and Income Support.

How is Council Tax Benefit worked out?

Council Tax Benefit adds together the claimant’s allowances and premiums, this is called their applicable amount and compares this amount with their weekly income:

• if their income is below this applicable amount, they will get a maximum Council Tax Benefit of 100 per cent;
• but if their income is above this amount, benefit is reduced by 20pence for every £1 of the excess.
• Non-dependents who live with the claimant (e.g. adult children) will cause the claimant’s benefit to be reduced by a fixed amount, depending on the income that they receive.

Who can claim Council Tax Benefit

To be eligible for Council Tax Benefit, a claimant must:

• have less than £16,000 in savings and capital;
• be at least 18 years old;
• have a low income;
• be treated as liable for Council Tax for the place they live in;
• not be a full-time student;
• not be a person from abroad.

To calculate council tax benefit, Medway Revenues and Benefits Service will ask for proof of identity, income, savings and circumstances.

How do you claim Council Tax Benefit?

To claim council tax benefit, please contact Medway Revenues and Benefits Service for a claim form or request a form online.

You can also estimate your entitlement to council tax benefit online.

^ (back to top)