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Council tax support
If you are on a low income, in receipt of Universal Credit or some other state benefit, you may qualify for council tax support. This is a means-tested benefit that can help reduce the amount of council tax you need to pay.
In April 2013, the Government abolished council tax benefit and replaced it with a localised council tax support scheme. This scheme is aimed at helping residents on a low income. The 2013 change meant that:
- The level of council tax benefit was reduced by 30%
- Some people who did not have to pay any council tax now have to pay something
- Some people who do have some help may have to pay more
The 2013 change only affects the working-age population.
If you think you are eligible, you can apply online for council tax support below.
Please note if you claim Universal Credit, you still need to separately and promptly claim for council tax support. This is not included as part of a Universal Credit claim.
Apply for council tax support
To apply, you will need:
- Your council tax account reference number
- An email address
What happens after you apply
We will contact you to let you know the outcome of your application. Our current estimated response time is 3 to 4 weeks.
Tell us if your circumstances change
A change to your circumstances may mean that you are no longer eligible for this support. This is stated in Regulation 16 of The Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992. Please email local.taxation@peterborough.gov.uk to tell us within 21 days if your circumstances change.
Make a backdated claim
Housing benefit and council tax support is normally awarded from the Monday following the date on which we receive your application. This form only relates to backdates where a claim has already been made for the current period.
If you have not yet claimed housing benefit or council tax support, you can claim a backdate on the main housing benefit and council tax support online claim form.
The maximum period benefit can be considered is as follows:
- If you are of pensionable age you can apply for a maximum 3 months backdated award
- If you are working age (not of pensionable age) you can apply for 1 month backdated award.
You will need to provide full details, together with any supporting evidence, to explain the reasons you did not apply for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Support at the correct time.
If you disagree with our decision
If you disagree with a decision we have made, you have the right to appeal. Visit our council tax appeals page for more information.