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Council Tax Support for carer

Hi,


Need info/clarification please.

When using the benefit calculator on this website, based on my situation as a full time carer for my autistic son I will be able to get 25% discount on my council tax or even exempt from paying?

I get carer allowance every 4 weeks.

Obviously exemption sounds better :rotfl:


Many Thanks.

Comments

  • CIS
    CIS Posts: 12,260 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    In respect of council tax itself there is no carer exemption - there is a carers disregard, which means you're not counted when the council tax charge is calculated. This may or may not lead a to a discount, depending on the overall household situation.

    In addition you may also qualify for (means tested) Council Tax Reduction.
    I no longer work in Council Tax Recovery but instead work as a specialist Council Tax paralegal assisting landlords and Council Tax payers with council tax disputes and valuation tribunals. My views are my own reading of the law and you should always check with the local authority in question.
  • calcotti
    calcotti Posts: 15,696 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    sanova76 wrote: »
    Hi,

    Need info/clarification please.

    When using the benefit calculator on this website, based on my situation as a full time carer for my autistic son I will be able to get 25% discount on my council tax or even exempt from paying?

    I get carer allowance every 4 weeks.

    Obviously exemption sounds better :rotfl:

    Many Thanks.

    A discount will reduce your Council Tax liability. How old is your son? You cannot get a carer disregard, and therefore a discount, if your son is under 18. If he is over 18 you should be able to get a disregard which, as CIS says, may result in a discount depending on who else lives in the property.

    Council Tax Reduction may help you meet your liability. Every local authority can set its own rules for CTR (for working age adults) and so the rules differ between local authorities. Most local authorities now require working age adults to pay something towards their liability. Council Tax Reduction is means tested and based on household income.
    Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Some rules may be different in other parts of UK.
  • If I'm a single parent and not working will I be exempt? My son is 9.
  • poppy12345
    poppy12345 Posts: 18,970 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    sanova76 wrote: »
    If I'm a single parent and not working will I be exempt? My son is 9.
    No. You'll receive a reduction but most people on benefits have to pay something. I have a daughter under the age of 18 and i'm her carer, i have to pay a little council tax each month.
  • poppy12345 wrote: »
    No. You'll receive a reduction but most people on benefits have to pay something. I have a daughter under the age of 18 and i'm her carer, i have to pay a little council tax each month.


    Thanks, I don't really expect to be exempt. It's just because it says something on the benefit calculator I thought I'll find out more.
  • calcotti
    calcotti Posts: 15,696 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    sanova76 wrote: »
    Thanks, I don't really expect to be exempt. It's just because it says something on the benefit calculator I thought I'll find out more.

    How much Council Tax Reduction you can get will depend on the rules of your local authority scheme. If you have savings you may not be able to claim Council Tax Reduction - again the exact amount will depend on the rules of your particular local authority.

    What other income do you have besides Carer's Allowance? If nothing else and you are in UC area https://ucpostcode.entitledto.co.uk/ucdate you could be entitled to claim UC, if not in UC area Income Support.
    Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Some rules may be different in other parts of UK.
  • System
    System Posts: 178,412 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    You may eventually be eligible for SMI reduction but it won’t kick in until your son is 18 .
    My husband and I are both disregarded due to our daughters issues , it reduces out council tax by 50%.
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
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