# Am I eligible for Council Tax Reduction?

> Eligibility · Last reviewed 26 May 2026

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## In short

If you're on a low income or claim benefits, you may get up to 100% off your Council Tax through your council's Council Tax Reduction scheme. Each English council sets its own rules; Wales, Scotland and NI run nationwide schemes.

Council Tax Reduction (CTR), sometimes called Council Tax Support, replaced Council Tax Benefit in 2013. In England, each local council sets its own scheme — they vary widely, but pensioners are protected by a national framework.

Typical amount: Up to 100% off your Council Tax bill; varies by council and household income

## Who usually qualifies

- You're liable for Council Tax
- You're on a low income or claim qualifying benefits (varies by council)
- Pensioners qualify for a national 100%-of-eligibility scheme
- Working-age in England varies by council — some require everyone to pay at least 10–20%

## Who usually does not

- You have savings or capital over the local council's limit (commonly £6,000–£16,000)
- Most non-pensioner students (with limited exceptions)
- Most second-home owners

## How to check

- The local council can be found via gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction
- Council Tax Reduction is applied for directly through the local council's own website at no charge
- Separate Council Tax reductions also exist for single occupiers (25%), disabled adaptations and severe mental impairment

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Council Tax Reduction the same as Council Tax Support?

Yes — different councils use different names but they mean the same scheme.

### What if my circumstances change?

Tell your council within 21 days. Backdated awards are possible but limited (often 1 month for working-age; up to 3 months for pensioners).

### Can I get Council Tax Reduction and Universal Credit?

Yes. UC doesn't include Council Tax — you claim CTR separately from your council.

## Sources

- [GOV.UK — Apply for Council Tax Reduction](https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction)
- [GOV.UK — Council Tax discounts](https://www.gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-for-disabled-people)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.