How To Claim

Almost everyone with a low income or on benefits who pay rent and/or has a liability to pay council tax could receive help towards their payments

You don’t have to receive income support /job seekers allowance or pension credit to claim

However most people with savings and investments totalling more than £16,000 (apart from some pensioners on Guarantee Pension credit) will not be able to receive help.

If you are in doubt please contact us

Alternatively use our online benefit calculator to check if you may be entitled.

Applying for Benefit

- You can claim by Clicking Here & completing our online application form 

Or

- Print an application form to download a PDF, fully complete, supply all the evidence and return to our office at Braintree District Council, Witham  or Halstead Library.

BDC Benefits Information leaflets

How are benefits worked out for Working Age

How are benefits worked out for the Over 60's

Second Adult Rebate

If you are not entitled to council Tax benefit due to high income or savings, you could still receive up to 25% off your bill if there is a second adult or adults occupying your home.  Second adults must be on a low income in order for you to qualify for second adult rebate.  If you wish to claim this rebate then the second adult or adults sharing your home must not be:

<>   Your partner
<>   Under 18
<>   Paying rent
<>   Liable for the council Tax
<>   A joint owner or tenant
<>   Already disregarded for a discount on your Council Tax bill: for example you must not be getting a student discount of 25%

If you make a claim for council tax benefit, our system will automatically look at whether Council Tax benefit or Second Adult Rebate will give you the biggest reduction off your Council Tax bill and award the Benefit or rebate that will suit your needs.