Council Tax -New claim
You can claim Council Tax Benefit if you are on Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Pension Credit or you are on a low income (this includes people who are self employed).
You can now apply and notify the Council of changes to your circumstances either face to face or over the telephone without the need for a signature.
More information on how to apply for housing and council tax benefit.
You cannot get Council Tax Benefit if:
- you, or your partner between you, have more than £16,000 (unless you receive the Guaranteed Credit component of Pension Credit) in savings/capital
Savings/Capital includes ISAs, Stocks, Shares, National Savings Certificates, Income Bonds, Tessas and all Bank/Building Society accounts, etc.
A partner is someone you are married to, or someone you live with as if you are married to them.
Second Adult Rebate
If you are the only adult living in your home, you qualify for a 25% single person discount. If another adult joins the household, you will no longer be able to get this discount. However, if the second adult is on a low income, you can claim a Second Adult Rebate. The second adult cannot be your partner and they cannot pay rent to you.
If the second adult receives:
- Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance (Income Based), Pension Credit. You will receive a 25% discount
- Has a Gross Income less than £162. You will receive a 15% discount
- Has a Gross Income of £162-£209.99. You will receive a 7.5% discount
You must make the claim, rather than the second adult.
How do I claim?
If you claim Income Support, Pension Credit or Job Seekers Allowance
The Department for Work and Pensions will give you a form for you to claim Council Tax Benefit.
Fill in the form and send it back to the Solihull Connect or an area office.
If you have not claimed Income Support, Pension Credit or Job Seekers Allowance (income based)
You can claim Council Tax Benefit if you are on a low income. Please phone us for an Application form, or download one below:
When you have completed the application form, please take it to Solihull Connect or an Area Housing Office. Please bring the supporting information with you that has been requested on the claim form - e.g. your benefit award letter, bank statements, etc.
Follow this link for more details of other ways you can apply for council tax benefit.
When do we pay benefit?
If this is your first claim
We will usually pay your benefit from the Monday after we get your form.
If you contact us and intend to make a claim, and return the form within one month, your claim will start from the Monday following your intitial contact.
What if my circumstances change?
If your circumstances change, you must let us know straight away. See Current Claim for further information.
Contact Details
For further information on claiming benefits, please contact Revenues and Benefits
Telephone: 0121 704 6214
Email: revenues@solihull.gov.uk