Council Tax and Universal Credit

Bluezeke

My Dad passed away last September and left his house to me. I was unable to dispose of his estate for three months whilst the DWP investigated whether they wanted to reclaim any money from his estate. I was given a Council tax rebate until 28th April (6 months from the grant of probate). If my son goes to live in Dad's house, can he claim Council Tax rebate? My son is currently waiting for a hip replacement operation and is in receipt of Universal Credit. I have looked online at Shropshire Council to try and find the answer but it states that if you get Universal Credit the DWP deals with it. Does anyone know how this works, please? Obviously I don't want to end up paying two lots of Council Tax, I'm retired but still work part time. I will sell one of the properties eventually. Thank you in advance.

elsien

They are two different systems.

Rent is paid via a universal credit for the major majority of people but council tax benefit still falls under the local authority.

As explained on this page here. The one form covers both.

https://next.shropshire.gov.uk/benefits/apply-for-housing-benefit-or-council-tax-support-or-upload-evidence/

NedS

Presumably you have received a rebate on council tax as the property is empty?

If your son moves into the property, he will then become liable for council tax and should inform the council he is living there and is now liable for the council tax. If he lives there alone, he will be eligible for a 25% single persons discount. He may also be able to claim Council Tax Reduction based on his income. UC will share data for your son with the council with respect to any earnings which the council can use to determine if he is entitled to Council Tax Reduction based on low income, but he may still need to apply directly with the council (varies from LA to LA).

He will not be able to claim any help with housing through UC as he does not rent the property through social housing or from a landlord.