Related publications

Council Tax

Housing Benefit

Moneywise

If you are responsible for paying your Council Tax bill, you might be able to reduce the amount you pay.
You may not have to pay any Council Tax if you fall into any of these categories:
Your council decides whether a home is exempt and the rules can be complicated. If you think your home might be exempt, call us on 0800 319 6789 to arrange to speak to an adviser.
If you live in England or Wales, each council has its own Council Tax Support scheme (also called Council Tax Reduction) to help people on a low income – this means that each council will have a different scheme. If you live in Scotland, there is a national scheme that your local authority will deliver. Wherever you live, contact your local council to ask about the scheme in your area.
You can also ask them who is responsible for paying the Council Tax on your home if you’re not sure. You can apply for support whether you rent or own your home.
If you receive Guarantee Pension Credit, you may get your Council Tax paid in full. If this doesn't apply to you, you may still get some help if you’re on a low income, and you and your partner have savings and investments of less than £16,000 between you. How much help you’ll get depends on:
The amount you can get may be higher if you, or someone living with you, have a disability or caring responsibilities.
If you live alone, you can get a 25% discount on your Council Tax bill. You could still get this even if you live with other people, because not everyone is counted for Council Tax purposes. This includes:
If everyone living in your home, including you, is disregarded, you can get a 50% discount.
If you live in Wales, you can find more information here. If you live in Scotland visit mygov.scot. If you live in England contact your local council for more information.
If you're unsure whether you qualify for a discount, please call us on 0800 319 6789 to speak to our Helpline advisers.
If your home has been adapted because someone with a disability lives there, the council can reduce your Council Tax bill. It can be brought down to the band below, or by 17% if your home is in the lowest band. This also applies if your home is larger than it would otherwise be, to facilitate a person with disabilities living there.
There's no set test to determine whether you qualify. Your council may ask for supporting evidence, such as a letter from your GP, and they may want to visit your home.
You can check here to see if you qualify for the Disabled Band Reduction scheme.
If you live with someone on a low income who isn’t your partner, you may qualify for a discount on your bill called a Second Adult Rebate - if this is available in your area. You can’t get this at the same time as Council Tax Support, but after you apply for Second Adult Rebate, your local council should automatically consider which one you’d be better off getting. Depending on your income, your Council Tax bill could be reduced by 7.5%, 15% or 25%. Contact your local council to find out whether they offer this.
You have the right of appeal against decisions on:
For more information about how to challenge a Council Tax decision, please see our factsheet What to do if you disagree with a benefits decision, or contact Citizens Advice.
You may want more information about Council Tax discounts, support and exemptions, especially as more than one discount can be applied to you if you qualify for it. If you live in Wales, you can find more information here. If you live in Scotland visit mygov.scot. If you live in England contact your local council for more information.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for a discount or reduction, such as the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme, call our Helpline on 0800 319 6789 for more advice.