Guaranteed Pension credit and Council tax.

SailorSam

Thanks for those links, i got a letter this morning 'cos i'm now able to claim Pension Credit, they want details of the 2 small personal pensions i've been paying into.

CIS

pmlindyloo wrote: »

I am blowed if I can find any detailed legislation about those receiving guarantee pension credit being entitled to full council tax reduction unless they are liable for non dependent deductions.

However, all my research through different councils confirm this.

I believe that those receiving GPC come under one of the protected rules that the government introduced when councils took over their own schemes.

It would be extremely helpful if someone who worked in this field would confirm one way or another.

The simplest way is to use the calculator on www.entitledto.co.uk to see if full council tax is awarded.

Mine does!

Schedule 1, para 13 = http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/2885/schedule/1/made

Applicant in receipt of guarantee credit
13. In the case of an applicant who is in receipt, or whose partner is in receipt, of a guarantee credit, the whole of his capital and income must be disregarded.

(I checked my CPAG council tax handbook)

pmlindyloo

CIS wrote: »

Schedule 1, para 13 = http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/2885/schedule/1/made



(I checked my CPAG council tax handbook)

Thanks for that.

I did come across this but was looking for a definite statement saying that there would be full council tax reduction - i.e. 100% - unless non dependent deductions applied.

I presume from the link that this is what it means?

CIS

That's right - no deduction for capital or income. CPAG handbook confirms only the non-dep deductions would reduce it.

Craig

HOWMUCH

Smodlet wrote: »

He should also be entitled to the one-off Winter Fuel Payment from the DWP (assuming it is still in place and has not been abolished by whatever government we get before the winter) and, if his energy provider is enrolled in the scheme, to the Warm Home Discount of £140.00. The WFP's amount depends on circumstances, for instance, single people get less than couples who are both entitled to Guaranteed Pension Credit.

If his energy provider is not part of the WHD scheme, it might well be worth suggesting he switch to one who is. The comparison tool on the Utilities board on here states which companies provide it and which do not.

I appreciate this digresses from your query but HTH.

I'm sure that the Warm Home Discount has finished. It looks like 2015/16 was the last winter.

dippy3103

The new rules for CTR only apply for working age. Pension Credit (G) is a passport benefit for CTR but he will need to apply. There is an automatic backdate but I can't remember how long for - HBO will know.
Does he get any disability benefits?

NeilCr

HOWMUCH wrote: »

I'm sure that the Warm Home Discount has finished. It looks like 2015/16 was the last winter.

This seems to suggest it is still going to be around

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/531871/DECC_WHD_Government_response_FINAL_22_06_16.pdf

poppasmurf_bewdley

tomtom256 wrote: »

They need to actually apply to the council to get it though, it's not automatic.

It's also dependant on the local scheme at your LA so best check online with them as not sure if all CTR Schemes fully cover CT liability.

When I was on Pension Credit (2008-2014), the information was automatically passed to my local District Council by the DWP, and I was given 100% council tax relief. I understand that is standard procedure.

HOWMUCH wrote: »

I'm sure that the Warm Home Discount has finished. It looks like 2015/16 was the last winter.

The Warm Home Discount (£140) is still applicable for the 2016/17 period.

dippy3103

poppasmurf_bewdley wrote: »

When I was on Pension Credit (2008-2014), the information was automatically passed to my local District Council by the DWP, and I was given 100% council tax relief. I understand that is standard procedure.
.

It should happen... But some get missed

HOWMUCH

NeilCr wrote: »

This seems to suggest it is still going to be around

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/531871/DECC_WHD_Government_response_FINAL_22_06_16.pdf

Thank you for that, I helped a friend claim it last year for the first time. I shall keep an eye on it as he doesn't automatically qualify and he'd missed out on the previously 4 years discount.