Why can't you tell me exactly what I'll get?

Because Council Tax Reduction schemes are set individually by each local council, so the rules, income thresholds and amounts genuinely differ depending on where you live.

Do pensioners get Council Tax Reduction on different rules?

Often yes — many councils apply separate, usually more generous, rules for people who've reached State Pension age.

Can I get Council Tax Reduction and Universal Credit at the same time?

Yes, they're separate schemes and claiming Universal Credit doesn't rule out Council Tax Reduction — you usually need to apply for it separately through your council.

Benefit

Council Tax Reduction & Support

Help towards your Council Tax bill if you're on a low income or claiming benefits — but the amount and the rules depend entirely on where you live.

Check My Eligibility Start Council Tax Support Planner

Note: Council Tax Reduction is set locally. Every council in England runs its own scheme with its own rules; Scotland and Wales each run a single national scheme (CTR) that all councils there follow.

Who it's for

There's no single UK-wide answer to 'do I qualify' for Council Tax Reduction — it depends on your local authority's scheme, your income, savings, household, and who else lives with you. This page can only give general pointers; your council's own scheme is the authoritative source.

You're liable to pay Council Tax on your home
You're on a low income, or receiving certain other benefits
Your savings are under the limit your council's scheme sets (often £16,000, but this varies)
Working-age and pension-age claimants are often assessed under different rules within the same council

What to do next

Search 'Council Tax Reduction' plus your council's name on GOV.UK, or contact your local authority directly, to find the specific scheme that applies to your address. This planner will help you gather what most councils ask for, regardless of the exact scheme.

Frequently asked questions

BenefitsPlanner is an independent planning tool. It is not GOV.UK, DWP, HMRC, your local authority, or the NHS, and nothing here is an official entitlement decision. Always check current rules on GOV.UK or with the relevant authority.

Official sources

Apply for Council Tax Reduction

GOV.UK · UK · checked 2026-09-19

Schemes are set locally by each council in England; Scotland and Wales run their own national schemes (CTR). Figures shown are general guidance, not a specific council's scheme.