Community Charge? Council Tax Benefit!

02/07/2008

Q: I am 80 and my wife is 75. Can you tell me if we can apply for at least a reduction in our community charge, which is £198 a month. We do own our property, but what are the criteria? I have talked to the Town Hall and they don’t seem to understand what I am asking. We rely on our pensions with a little savings.

 

 

The Benefits Doctor says:
What you need to claim is “Council Tax Benefit”. The criteria include being liable for Council Tax (which you are!) and that your income and savings are low enough. To determine this, obtain a benefit check from your local benefits advice service – I’ve e-mailed you the details of your local Age Concern, so give them a call. To claim Council Tax Benefit, you’ll need to contact your local authority Housing and Council Tax Benefit Department.