Council tax unemployed, partner working?

cpfcstar

So here's the story, I moved in with my partner last year but was unemployed for three months before I found temporary work, but I am now unemployed once more. I live with my partner who earns a decent wage (30k+)
The local council say I am liable for council tax for all of the months that I was unemployed, and they have added my arreas onto the bill. Is this right?!

I don't think we can claim any council tax benefit, and I was registered for JSA but couldn't receive it (it took them two months to tell me).

Don't take it out on me if I'm wrong, but I thought you didn't have to pay council tax if you were unemployed, regardless of how much your partner earnt? Can someone please help me!

cattie

If you were living alone & unemployed, then you would qualify for CTB but your partner, who has a very healthy £30k+ salary is liable for Council Tax. You living there & being unemployed has no effect on her liability to pay.

pineapple

cattie wrote: »

If you were living alone & unemployed, then you would qualify for CTB but your partner, who has a very healthy £30k+ salary is liable for Council Tax. You living there & being unemployed has no effect on her liability to pay.

Plus Council Tax Benefit is NOT automatically awarded if you are on JSA even if you live alone. It depends how much capital you have.
PS I don't understand the bit about arrears being added to the bill. Surely it's one bill per household. Does this mean the bill was split?

Emmzi

if you think you are entitled to a discount you have to apply for it. Here's the rules..

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/YourlocalcouncilandCouncilTax/CouncilTax/DG_10037422

suelees1

Sorry but the original post doesn't make sense to me but perhaps I'm missing something?

When you moved in you became a couple. Your partner would have lost their single adult discount straight away. This doesn't depend on income at all.

Prior to this your partner would have been paying 75% of the full bill before you moved in but then became liable for 100% after you moved in. Because of your joint income you will not be entitled to any council tax benefit. You being unemployed isn't relevant in the circumstances.

I hope that's clear.

Notmyrealname

It is based on HOUSEHOLD INCOME, not the income of one individual claimant in a relationship. The bill is in your name but benefits aren't just calculated on your income.

suelees1

Notmyrealname wrote: »

The bill is in your name but benefits aren't just calculated on your income.

I wouldn't imagine the bill would be in the OP's name if s/he moved in with someone who has always been the liable person. The LA would have no reason to change it.

CIS

I wouldn't imagine the bill would be in the OP's name if s/he moved in with someone who has always been the liable person. The LA would have no reason to change it.

They should do as a resident partner is jointly liable under section 6 of the LGFA 1992. - it also gives a 2nd name if you ever have to take enforcement action.