England, Scotland and Wales
Council Tax Reduction
Last verified: 4 October 2026. We check the official source every night. How we verify.
Help from your local council if you are on a low income and need to pay council tax. Each council runs its own scheme, so the rules and amounts vary.
How much you could get
The amount depends on your circumstances. We do not publish a figure unless it is tied to a tax year and an official source.
Check the current amount on the official page.
Who can claim
You usually need to live in England, Scotland or Wales, be liable for council tax, and have a low income. Northern Ireland has Rate Relief instead.
Eligibility conditions
These are the structured conditions Benefit Badger uses in the eligibility check. They are a guide, not a decision.
- You live in the UK.
- You live in England, Scotland or Wales.
- You pay council tax, or it is not yet known.
Check if Council Tax Reduction may apply to you
It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.
When it may not apply
If you do not pay council tax, this will not apply. Savings and income rules differ by council.
Where you live
Council Tax Reduction applies in England, Scotland and Wales.
If you live in Northern Ireland, see Rate Relief.
Browse benefits in England, Scotland, Wales, or the A–Z list.
How to claim
- Apply to the council that issues your council tax bill. There is no single national form. Each council in England, Scotland and Wales runs its own scheme with its own income rules. Official page
- Do not assume Universal Credit includes this. Universal Credit does not pay council tax. You usually need a separate Council Tax Reduction claim even if you already get UC.
- Send the income and household evidence they ask for. Savings rules and tapers differ by council. Use your council’s checklist, not a generic template from elsewhere.
- Northern Ireland uses Rate Relief instead. If you pay domestic rates in Northern Ireland, Council Tax Reduction does not apply. See Rate Relief on nidirect.
Official sources
- Council Tax Reduction — GOV.UK (primary source)
Related benefits
- Discretionary Housing Payment
- Household Support Fund
- Housing Benefit
- Rate Relief
- Support for Mortgage Interest
See all housing and bills benefits.
What else you might claim
Source: Local authorities. This page is guidance from an independent service, not a government decision. Only the relevant government department can confirm eligibility and make a payment.
Check if this may apply to you
It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.