Council Tax Allowance For Single Occupancy

Derbyh

Please could someone assist me for my friend? Her husband was admitted to hospital Sept 2009 and was in hospital until 29th December from there he was transferred to rehab. Since then his wife (my friend) has been living in the house on her own. Can she claim for single occupancy on her council tax? Does anyone know if she or her husband would be entitled to any other benefits? As you can imagine things get tight in these situations.

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can offer some advice

withabix

Official information and guidance here:

http://www.local.odpm.gov.uk/finance/ctax/ctaxbillguide.pdf (right click and download, rather than left click and open)

According to council websites:

Council Tax is normally charged on the assumption that two or more people aged over 18 live in a property.

If anyone aged 18 or over moves into a care home, a nursing home or a health service hospital, and without them there is only one adult living in a property, you may apply for a 25% discount.

We can only consider a reduction or an exemption if the hospital becomes a person's only or main home.

No harm in applying, however it is UNLIKELY to br granted, as your friend's husband has not MOVED OUT of his main home into hospital. See page 10 of the PDF. Officially still liable for it.