The current processing time for new applications and changes to benefit claims is an average of 6 weeks.
If you contact us with a general enquiry online we will reply to you within two working days.
How much help can you get with your council tax?
Find out about the local council tax support scheme.
CTS provides help to people who are unemployed or on a low income to pay their council tax.
The amount you get depends on:
- Whether you are working age or Pension Credit qualifying age. You can find your Pension Credit qualifying age online
- How much your council tax is
- Your household income and circumstances
- Whether other people live with you
Check your State Pension age Opens in a new window
How much can you get?
If you are working age
The maximum amount you can receive is up to 70% of your yearly council tax.
How much your yearly council tax charge is depends on which band your house is in.
Council tax support will be restricted to the equivalent of a property band D charge. This will mean that if you live in a property that is in band E, F, G or H the maximum amount you can receive will be based on 70% of the council tax liability of a band D charge in Torbay.
You will not qualify for any council tax reduction if you have savings or capital over £6,000
If you’ve reached pension age
The maximum amount you can receive is up to 100% of your yearly council tax.
If you or your partner are pension age and receive Income Based Job Seekers Allowance, Income Related Employment and Support Allowance or Income Support, you will be treated as working age and have to pay at least 30% of your charge.
You will not qualify for any council tax reduction if you have savings or capital over £16,000.
Second Adult Rebate (SAR)
If you are of pension age, you can claim Second Adult Rebate (SAR) if you don’t get the 25% single person discount because at least one other adult lives with you. The other adult(s) must be over 18 years and cannot be your partner or a tenant or boarder, who is paying you rent.
It's not possible to get both CTS and SAR. If you qualify for both you will be awarded the higher amount.
How is it paid?
If you are awarded Council Tax Support it will be credited directly to your council tax account. A new bill will be sent to you showing the amount you have been awarded and any changes to the amount you pay.
I am already getting Housing Benefit
If you already receive housing benefit but did not qualify for council tax support when you claimed and you think you may now, you need to complete our short council tax support application form.
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