Council Tax Support

If you are on a low income you may be able to get Council Tax Support to help to pay your Council Tax.

You still need to apply for Council Tax Support even if you are claiming 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, see:

• Who should pay 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.

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 when you apply.

How it will be paid

Your Council Tax bill will be reduced by your Council Tax Support award amount. It will not be paid directly to you.

Once we have processed your claim, you will receive an updated bill telling you if you still need to pay towards your Council Tax.

How to make a claim

You need to apply for Council Tax Support online:

• Make a new claim for Council Tax Support

Find out what help you may be eligible for

To find out what help you may be eligible for you can use our:

• Benefits calculator

You may also be able to reduce the amount of Council Tax that you have to pay. For more information see:

• Applying for a discount or an exemption

Further resources

Adur - Council Tax Support Scheme:

• Adur Council Tax Support 2025-26 (Section 13a policy) (1,406KB)
• Adur Council Tax Support 2024-25 (Section 13a policy) (1,395KB)
• Adur Council Tax Support 2023-24 (Section 13a policy) (1,303KB)

If you require older copies please contact the relevant Benefits Team.

Worthing - Council Tax Support Scheme:

• Worthing Council Tax Support 2025-26 (Section 13a policy) (1,417KB)
• Worthing Council Tax Support 2024-25 (Section 13a policy) (1,409KB)
• Worthing Council Tax Support 2023-24 (Section 13a policy) (1,313KB)

If you require older copies please contact the relevant Benefits Team.

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