Council Tax Support (sometimes called Council Tax Reduction) helps people on a low income pay their council tax bill. Unlike most other benefits covered on this site, it's administered locally rather than by the DWP — each local council runs its own scheme, within broad national rules, which means the exact eligibility criteria and amount of help can genuinely differ depending on where you live.
Why it varies by council
Since councils design their own working-age schemes (schemes for pensioners are more closely nationally standardised), two people with identical circumstances in different council areas can receive different levels of support. This means generic figures you might see online often don't reflect your specific council's scheme — checking directly with your local authority is the only reliable way to know what applies to you.
Who's generally eligible
Eligibility usually depends on your income, savings, who else lives with you, and your entitlement to other benefits. Being on Universal Credit or another income-related benefit doesn't automatically mean you'll get maximum Council Tax Support — it's assessed separately by your council based on their own scheme's rules.
How to apply
You apply through your local council, usually via their website — searching "[your council name] Council Tax Support" is generally the quickest way to find the right application. Applications typically ask for details of your income, savings, and household, similar to other means-tested support.
If you're struggling with council tax arrears
If you've fallen behind on council tax, it's worth contacting your council directly, since many have processes for arrangements before more serious enforcement action (like a liability order) is taken. Free debt advice services can also help you understand your options if council tax arrears are part of a wider debt situation.