Latest Council tax reduction FAQs from Warwick District Council.

Where can I get independent advice on claiming benefit?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:57:44 +0000

Question: Where can I get independent advice on claiming benefit?

Answer: Citizen's Advice Bureaux. Most bureaux offer home visits and some also provide email advice.

When will my council tax reduction/housing benefit start?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:56:35 +0000

Question: When will my council tax reduction/housing benefit start?

Answer: Usually your reduction will start from the Monday after we receive your claim.

Apart from council tax reduction and housing benefit what other state benefits may be available to me?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:55:13 +0000

Question: Apart from council tax reduction and housing benefit what other state benefits may be available to me?

Answer: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for claims of and the paying of Income Support as well as other benefits such as:

Attendance allowance (AA)
Disability living allowance (DLA)
Incapacity benefit (Incap)
Job seekers allowance (JSA)
Maternity Allowance

HM Revenue & Customs is responsible for benefits such as:

Child Benefit
Child Tax Credits
Working Tax Credit

The Pension Service is responsible for benefits such as:

Pension Credit

Gov.uk - Benefits

What is Second Adult Rebate?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:51:19 +0000

Question: What is Second Adult Rebate?

Answer:

If your income, savings or investments are too high you may still qualify for Second Adult rebate (2AR).

2AR is based on the income of any other adult(s) (not including a partner or lodger) living with you who are on a low income.

Please remember: If you are claiming Second Adult Rebate only we do not require YOUR income details but that of your second adult(s).

What income details do I have to supply when claiming council tax reduction/housing benefit?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:49:54 +0000

Question: What income details do I have to supply when claiming council tax reduction/housing benefit?

Answer: See income details

What documents do I need to provide to claim council tax reduction/housing benefit?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:47:11 +0000

Question: What documents do I need to provide to claim council tax reduction/housing benefit?

Answer: You must provide proof of the following:

Your identification.
Your national insurance number.
Your income.
Your Self Employed Accounts.
State benefits received.
Other income.
Savings and capital.
Household members.
Non dependants income.

What are overpayments of council tax reduction?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:44:35 +0000

Question: What are overpayments of council tax reduction?

Answer:

Overpayments are where we have paid too much benefit to you. Overpayments may occur due to a change in circumstances.

What about my savings in terms of claiming council tax reduction/housing benefit?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:36:55 +0000

Question: What about my savings in terms of claiming council tax reduction/housing benefit?

Answer: You must provide proof of all savings and capital you hold:

Savings Bank, Building Society and Post office accounts.
National Savings Certificates.
Income Bonds.
Premium Bonds.
Shares.
Unit Trusts / PEPs / ISAs / TESSAs.
Land and Properties

Who is entitled to council tax reduction?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:34:28 +0000

Question: Who is entitled to council tax reduction?

Answer: Find out who can claim and if you are eligible.

I'm struggling to pay my rent and council tax, is there any more help available?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:31:58 +0000

Question: I'm struggling to pay my rent and council tax, is there any more help available?

Answer:

Awards of housing benefit and council tax reduction may not always cover the full rent or council tax you need to pay. So, if you receive housing benefit or council tax reduction, you are struggling to make ends meet and in need of temporary help - we may be able to provide extra money.

Discretionary Housing Payments are payments made in addition to the benefit award. Each case is considered on its own merit and will take into account the circumstances and, in particular, the effect the shortfall in benefit would have on the claimant and their family.

I have started work after being on benefit. Is there any more help available?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:28:39 +0000

Question: I have started work after being on benefit. Is there any more help available?

Answer:

If your entitlement to certain benefits ends because you start work or increase your hours or pay, you may be entitled to an extended payment of your housing benefit and or council tax reduction for four weeks after your benefit stops. If you qualify, which is dependent upon meeting set criteria, you will receive the same amount of award as you did before you started work or changed hours.

Criteria for extended payments

How do I report a suspected case fraud?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:26:38 +0000

Question: How do I report a suspected case of benefit fraud?

Answer:

You can report suspected fraud online.

How do I claim council tax reduction/housing benefit?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:23:43 +0000

Question: How do I claim council tax reduction/housing benefit?

Answer:

To make a claim you will need to submit

A completed application form. Only one form is currently required to claim both council tax reduction and housing benefit.
And supporting information

Application form and how to apply

Do I need to fill in 2 forms for housing benefit and council tax reduction?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:20:38 +0000

Question: Do I need to fill in 2 forms for housing benefit and council tax reduction?

Answer:

Only one form is required to claim both council tax reduction and housing benefit at the moment. However, with the introduction of Universal Credit, it may become necessary to separate forms for each benefit.

Application form