Can I Claim Anything ?

Loz01

Makes sure you include as much medical evidence as you can when applying for PIP and they do check as my Mum's award took MONTHS to come back because they had to contact her doctor and hospital etc to verify the information. If you get so many points (10 I THINK but don't quote me on that) for the mobility part you can apply for a blue badge as well.

Jack_Itin

Excellent result this morning....have now claimed CT reduction, because we now have GPC we only pay 20% CT....plus, because it is backdated the council owe us £450....so CT is now £20 a month over 10 months, instead of £100 a month......a very happy Jack.

pmlindyloo

Jack_Itin wrote: »

Excellent result this morning....have now claimed CT reduction, because we now have GPC we only pay 20% CT....plus, because it is backdated the council owe us £450....so CT is now £20 a month over 10 months, instead of £100 a month......a very happy Jack.

I thought if you received guarantee pension credit you were entitled to full council tax reduction unless you were liable for non dependent deductions?

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/help-with-your-council-tax-council-tax-reduction/council-tax-reduction-what-you-need-to-know/

Jack_Itin

I think it varies from area to area, according to the very nice lady at the council offices, everyone in this area has to pay at least 20% CT.....I have no complaints with this decision, £5 per week CT is much better than £25 per week......Jack.

xylophone

I thought if you received guarantee pension credit you were entitled to full council tax reduction unless you were liable for non dependent deductions?

It would appear to depend on the LA criteria.

"Full CTS/full reduction" could mean the maximum percentage offered in that particular area.

It would seem that in Jack's area it is 80% while others might offer 100%?.

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/Documents/EN-GB/Information-guides/AgeUKIG54_Council_tax_support_inf.pdf?dtrk=true

pmlindyloo

xylophone wrote: »

It would appear to depend on the LA criteria.

"Full CTS/full reduction" could mean the maximum percentage offered in that particular area.

It would seem that in Jack's area it is 80% while others might offer 100%?.

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/Documents/EN-GB/Information-guides/AgeUKIG54_Council_tax_support_inf.pdf?dtrk=true

You may be right and I am blowed if I can find the legislation.

My understanding is that pensioners were protected under legislation when the council tax was devolved to local authorities.

It is also my understanding that GPC (if you did not have any non dependants) gave you full council tax reduction.

The OP could put his details into the benefit calculator on https://www.entitledto.co.uk to find out as that takes into account postal areas.

If the OP was told about the 20% by someone and hasn't received an actual award letter then a mistake could have been made.

Where are our council tax experts?!!!!!!!!!!

Jack_Itin

Just checked Local Authority website....it states "Maximum council tax reduction is 80% ".....unless certain disability criteria applies..... so we have the maximum allowed... LA's obviously have the discretion to override the GPC directive that 100% reduction is allowed.....I have checked a couple of calculators and they both say as much.......Jack

xylophone

Jack, have you looked into the nature of the "disability criteria"?

For example, suppose because of your condition you had to have a specialised bathroom or certain aids or adaptations?

Would this give a higher reduction?

pmlindyloo

Interesting thread on the same subject:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5491069

Jack_Itin

I currently have a PIP claim pending, I sent the forms off nearly a week ago, so I am awaiting the outcome of that, to be honest paying £5 a week CT is not going to break the bank...BUT, having said that, it IS £20 per month.....or £200 per 10 monthly payments, so depending on what happens, I may pursue it......Jack.