Council Tax Support
If you are on a low income you may be able to get help to pay your Council Tax.
If you are claiming Universal Credit you will need to apply separately for Council Tax Support from the Council - see Universal Credit.
Who can claim
There are two types of benefit:
Main Council Tax Support
This is means-tested, based on the low income of the person responsible for paying the Council Tax.
Second Adult Rebate
This is means-tested, based on the low income of a second adult living in the property who is not:
- the liable person's partner
- a joint owner or joint tenant
- a boarder, lodger or sub-tenant
There can be more than one 'second adult' in a property. The person responsible for paying the Council Tax must apply for Second Adult Rebate and supply income and savings details of the second adult(s) - see Second Adult Rebate.
How much you will get
As Council Tax Support is calculated as a means-tested discount, the amount you will receive will depend on your household's circumstances.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government introduced an additional award of up to £150 for all working age customers for 2020/21. The guidance was issued in March 2020 - on the GOV.UK website.
The government has subsequently provided additional funding for 2021/22 but has not provided guidance. However, the Members (Councillors) of Adur & Worthing Councils have decided that discretionary awards of up to £150 should also be awarded to working age customers for 2021/22 and the policy for awards is available here:
Customers do not need to make a separate claim for a discretionary award and we will automatically make an additional award of up to £150 when entitlement to ordinary Council Tax Support is calculated.
When your claim will start
We aim to process claims within 20 days of receiving your application. You can help speed up your application by supplying all the required supporting documents.
How it will be paid
Council Tax support is credited to your Council Tax account, rather than paid directly to you.
If you need more help
You may also be able to reduce the amount of Council Tax that you have to pay by applying for a discount or an exemption.
Further resources
Adur - Council Tax Support Schemes
Adur Council Tax Support 2023-24 (Section 13a policy) (1,303KB)
Adur Council Tax Support 2022-23 (Section 13a policy) (1,264KB)
Adur Council Tax Support 2021-22 (Section 13a policy) (1,272KB)
Adur Council Tax Support 2020-21 (Section 13a policy) (1,318KB)
Worthing - Council Tax Support Schemes
Need assistance with this service?
Get in touch:
Adur Benefits
Worthing Benefits
Page last updated: 13 June 2023