Processing times vary between councils and may depend on whether they need extra information about your income, household or savings. Your council should tell you when it has made a decision, but it is sensible to contact its Council Tax or benefits team if you have heard nothing after the timescale given. Keep paying the amount shown on your bill, or ask the council about a payment arrangement, because applying for support does not always pause collection action. Check your local council’s website for its processing times and rules on backdating.