Northern Ireland
Rate Relief
Last verified: 3 October 2026. We check the official source every night. How we verify.
Help with domestic rates in Northern Ireland if you are on a low income. This is the Northern Ireland equivalent of Council Tax Reduction. Working-age people on Universal Credit usually claim Rate Rebate; Housing Benefit and Rate Relief still apply for many people of State Pension age.
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 We do not publish a figure unless it is tied to a tax year and an official source.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 Northern Ireland, be liable for rates, and have a low income. If you get Universal Credit, apply for Rate Rebate through Land & Property Services. If you have reached State Pension age and do not get Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Rate Relief still apply through the Housing Executive.
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 Northern Ireland.
Check if Rate Relief 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
These Northern Ireland rates schemes do not apply in Great Britain. People in England, Scotland or Wales should look at Council Tax Reduction.
Where you live
Rate Relief applies in Northern Ireland.
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, see Council Tax Reduction.
Browse benefits in Northern Ireland, or the A–Z list.
How to claim
- Start from nidirect, not a GB council form. Help with domestic rates in Northern Ireland is not Council Tax Reduction. nidirect explains Rate Relief for people of State Pension age and Rate Rebate if you get Universal Credit. Official page
- If you get Universal Credit, apply for Rate Rebate. Universal Credit does not include rates. Land & Property Services deals with Rate Rebate online. Apply as soon as you are awarded Universal Credit so you do not lose backdating. Official page
- If you have reached State Pension age and do not get Universal Credit, use Housing Benefit and Rate Relief. The Housing Executive still runs this for pension-age homeowners and tenants. nidirect has separate pages for each. Do not use a GB council tax form. Official page
- Have proof of income, benefits and who lives in the property. Means-tested rates help needs a full household picture. Follow the evidence list on the nidirect page that applies to you.
Official sources
- People on a low income — nidirect (primary source)
Related benefits
- Council Tax Reduction
- Discretionary Housing Payment
- Household Support Fund
- Housing Benefit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
See all housing and bills benefits.
Source: Land & Property Services / Northern Ireland Housing Executive. 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.