State pensioners are being urged to cut their Council Tax bills to £0 with a single phone call.
That’s because pensioners are able to get Council Tax support which can be up to a full 100 percent off council tax bills, depending on the policy in your local area.
Pensioners who claim Pension Credit can be eligible for a reduction in Council Tax, for those claiming the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit due to having a low income.
Usually, those with income of £218 a week or less can apply for Pension Credit, which opens up a range of other benefits which can include a Council Tax discount.
Those who are on the old state pension, ie hit state pension age before April 2016 and have no other income like a second property or private pension, will likely be eligible for Pension Credit and in turn, a Council Tax discount.
Age UK says: “Each local council operates its own Council Tax Reduction scheme, so the amounts of support given across the country may vary.
“If you receive the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit, you may even get your Council Tax paid in full. If you don’t get Guarantee Credit but have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings, you may still get some help.”
All local councils use the same Council Tax Reduction scheme for people over state pension age.
Leeds Council explains: “You can claim up to 100% discount on your council tax if you belong to a protected group. The size of your discount will depend on your income and situation.
Protected groups are:
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Pensioners
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Disabled people entitled to an Enhanced or Severe Disability Premium
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Lone parents responsible for one or more dependent children under five, they must not have a partner living with them
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Carers eligible for Carer’s Allowance
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War widows and war pensioners, who must be in receipt of a War Widows Pension, War Disablement Pension or Armed Forces Compensation Payment
To use the service, go to https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction and then search your local council using your postcode. From here, you can call your local authority directly and apply.
