Claiming council tax benefit

Joannef_2

I have received a form from my local Council for Council Tax benefit. They could not tell me over the phone what the criteria is for being eligible.

Can anyone tell me if you can claim this if you are claiming contribution based JSA at £60.50 per week? I was made redundant in January and was not aware that I could get any help with Council Tax. Also, is there a limit on how much your partner can earn and any savings that you have? I can't find any info on my local Council's website.

Thanks.

real1314

Joannef wrote: »

I have received a form from my local Council for Council Tax benefit. They could not tell me over the phone what the criteria is for being eligible.

Can anyone tell me if you can claim this if you are claiming contribution based JSA at £60.50 per week? I was made redundant in January and was not aware that I could get any help with Council Tax. Also, is there a limit on how much your partner can earn and any savings that you have? I can't find any info on my local Council's website.

Thanks.

They can't tell you over the phone as it depends on a fair few bits of info. Your partners income does affect it, as does any savings over £6k you have between you and your partner, as does having kids and any other income you might have, amongst other things!

If your council tax is £25 a week, then if between you, you have income over £250 (including your JSA) then you probably wouldn't get anything (iirc that the taper is 20%). But I might be worng depending on your circumstances!

hbgirl

it's too hard to say as too many variables. put a claim in - what have you got to lose???

cabbage

When you make a claim for JSA there is usually a bit on the form for council tax and housing benefit. Its part of the JSA claim form. If this is the case, you may already have a claim pending for HB/CTB. Ring up your local council and find out if there is a backlog of claims and whether your claim is in it.

captain_nugget

Job centre told me they'd apply for me. I didn't have to do anything. Not found out yet if they're actually giving me anything. I was laid off at the end of Jan.

Joannef_2

Thanks for the replies.

I've received the form. The Council initially wanted to come round to my house to help me fill the form in. I told them that I thought this was a waste of their time and money and that I'm quite happy filling the form in myself.

It sounds like I won't get it. We don't have any savings but my bf earns over £250 a week. We received our Council Tax bill this week and it's now over £140 per month.

chloecat_2

I am on IB and my hubby is self employed. I wish somebody from my Council had offered to come around and help because it is the most complicated thing I have ever claimed for!

On the second list of evidence to be sent off now, V difficult but I imagine its easier for either non workers, or low income employed. Self employed form takes alot of deep breathing