Thousands on benefits including Universal Credit are missing out on help with key bill
Council tax i s an annual fee you pay to your local council. The cost is set by your council and goes towards funding local services.
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That means the amount you pay varies depending on where you live.
You usually have to pay the charge if you own or rent your home.
But if you claim certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, you could be entitled to a discount on the amount you pay.
The support is given out by local councils in England, so how much you get will depend on where you live, your income, dependants and other benefits.
You can find out if you're eligible by visiting gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction.
To use the tool, you will need to enter your postcode and it will redirect you to your local council's website where you can find out more.
How much you get will also depend on what band you are in.
The bands range from A to H, with A homes paying the least and H the most.
For example, households in Leeds can apply for a Council Tax Support if they claim Universal Credit or Carers Allowance.
In Manchester, you can claim council tax support when you apply for Universal Credit.
If you are already receiving council tax support but are due to be moved across to Universal Credit it is important to tell the council.
The government is in the process of moving people on older benefits, like tax credits and income-based ESA, to the newer Universal Credit system.
You may have received a migration notice in the form of a letter.
As soon as you get this, write to your local council to ensure your support continues.
Charities such as Shelter have information online about how to structure the letter.
You can find out more by visiting, england.shelter.org.uk.
What other Council Tax Support is available?
If you're not receiving benefits or don't qualify for your local authority's low-income council tax support scheme, you may still be eligible for help.
Pensioners may also be able to get a council tax discount if they receive certain benefits.
Those on the guarantee credit element of pension credit could get up to 100% off their bill.
If you do not get guaranteed credit but have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings then you may still get some help.
Meanwhile, if you are a pensioner who lives alone then you will qualify for a 25% discount.
Elsewhere, you could get a 25% council tax reduction if you live on your own or if others at home are classed as "disregarded".
For example, if a single adult lives with a severely mentally impaired person then they can get 25% off their council tax.
Meanwhile, if you live in an all-student household then you do not need to pay any council tax.
How to check how much council tax you pay
BEFORE you cut your bill it is important to know how much you pay in council tax each year.
You can find your council tax band on GOV.UK for homes in England and Wales.
If you live in Scotland then you can check on the Scottish Assessors website.
You will need to enter your postcode and scroll through the listed addresses to find yours.
Local councils must contact you directly every time your bill is set to go up or down.
They should do this via letter or email.
You can find out which local council is yours on the GOV.UK website.
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