Council Tax Benefit
Council Tax Benefit is available to people on a low income to help them pay their Council Tax. It is administered and paid by your Local Authority. In Manchester it is dealt with by the Benefits Service (external website), which is part of Manchester City Council.
Council Tax Benefit is not a cash benefit, as it works like a rebate. The Council will work out how much Council Tax Benefit you are entitled to and then send you a reduced bill. When working out how much benefit you are entitled to the Benefits Service will take into account things such as your wages, any other benefits you receive, your savings, who lives with you and their income etc. Depending on your circumstances you may not have to pay any Council Tax or you may have to pay just part of it.
If you are not entitled to Council tax benefit, and another adult lives in your home, you may be able to claim Second Adult Rebate instead.
If you or someone who lives in your home is disabled and needs to use the accommodation in particular ways, for example, allowing extra space for a wheelchair or using a downstairs room as a bedroom, you may be entitled to a reduction in your Council Tax. get advice.
Second Adult Rebate
Second Adult Rebate is available to people on a low income to help pay Council Tax. It is also dealt with by the Benefits Service (in Manchester). It is not a cash benefit.
You might be able to claim Second Adult Rebate if you are liable to pay Council Tax on your property and live with someone who is aged 18 or over who is not liable. In these circumstances you will not be eligible claim the single person discount but might be able to get a reduction in your bill through the Second Adult Rebate if your housemate is on a low income.
The Council will work out how much Second Adult Rebate you are entitled to. You should also apply for Council Tax Benefit and the Council should work out which benefit will give you the best reduction. Depending on your circumstances you may not have to pay any Council Tax or you may have to pay just part of it.
The rules are very complicated so you should get advice from a Welfare Benefits Adviser if you think you have been wrongly turned down.
Online forms available for residents of Manchester
The Benefits Service has a number of forms that are available over the Internet.
Information on other websites
Manchester City Council
You can also find the Council Tax rates for Manchester 2008 - 2009
Adviceguide
General information about Council Tax Benefit and Second Adult Rebate from Citizens Advice
Department for Work and Pensions
Government information about Council Tax Benefit
Age Concern
Detailed information for older people about Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email
Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Reviewed:
22 October 2008
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
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