Council tax is a local tax levied by councils in England, Wales, and Scotland to fund local services.
It’s a charge on your property, and the amount you pay depends on the value of your home and the band it falls under.
While everyone over 18 is generally liable to pay council tax, there are specific circumstances where you might be eligible for a discount or reduction, particularly if you’re over 80 years old.
Do People Over 80 Get a Council Tax Discount?
Simply reaching the age of 80 doesn’t automatically qualify you for a discount on your council tax bill.
However, there are two main scenarios where you might be eligible for a reduction:
- Single Occupancy Discount: If you live alone and are over 80, you are entitled to a 25% discount on your council tax bill. This discount applies regardless of your income or savings. It’s important to note that this discount only applies to the number of people living in the property, not the property band itself. So, if you live with someone else (even a carer), you won’t be eligible for this specific discount.
- Council Tax Reduction Scheme: This means-tested benefit can help low-income households, including those with someone over 80, reduce their council tax bill. The reduction you receive depends on your income, savings, and the number of people living in your property. While the rules may vary slightly depending on your local council, generally, anyone who has reached the state pension credit age can apply for this scheme.
Can people over 80 get further reductions on their council tax bill?
Yes, there are two main ways people over 80 can potentially get even more reduction on their council tax bill.
These are the Council Tax Reduction Scheme (CTRS) and Disability benefits.
Depending on your circumstances, the CTRS could reduce your council tax bill by up to 100%.
If you or someone you live with receives certain disability benefits, you may be entitled to additional council tax reductions.
Examples of qualifying benefits include Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (care or mobility component), or a disabled child element within Universal Credit.
It’s always best to contact your local council directly to enquire about the specific discounts and reduction schemes available in your area.
They can also guide you through the CTRS application process.
What if I live with someone else who is under 80?
If you share your home with someone under 80, such as a partner or adult child, you won’t qualify for the single-person discount.
However, depending on your combined household income and circumstances, you may still be eligible for a council tax reduction.
The council will assess your situation and determine the appropriate level of council tax you owe.
Also, if someone living in your household has a severe disability, you might be entitled to a council tax reduction even if there are other adults present.
Sometimes, you might get a discount if you have spare rooms on your property that you can’t reasonably occupy due to a disability.
Do I Still Have to Pay Council Tax if I Live Alone?
One of the most common situations for those over 80 is living alone.
The good news is that simply living alone qualifies you for a sole occupancy discount. This discount typically reduces your council tax bill by 25%.
This discount applies regardless of age, but it is especially beneficial for older adults who may have experienced a decrease in income upon retirement.
It’s important to note that the sole occupancy discount may not be applied automatically.
You may need to contact your local council and apply for the discount.
The application process is usually straightforward and proves that you live alone in the property.
What if My Income is Low?
If you’re over 80 and have a low income, you may be eligible for council tax reduction, a national scheme in England, Scotland, and Wales that provides financial assistance with council tax bills.
The reduction you receive depends on your household income and savings and the council tax band under which your property falls.
In some cases, council tax reduction can cover up to 100% of your council tax bill.
To determine your eligibility for council tax reduction, you’ll need to contact your local council, which will provide you with an application form and guide you through the process.
The application typically involves providing details about your income, savings, and any benefits you receive.
What Happens if I Live With a Partner or Carer?
If you share your home with a partner or carer, the sole occupancy discount will not apply.
However, your council tax bill will still be calculated based on the number of people living on the property, which means that the overall cost per person may be lower than that of living alone.
You should note that the rules regarding partners and carers can differ slightly depending on your circumstances.
For example, if you require a live-in carer due to a disability, you may be eligible for additional discounts.
You must always check with your local council for the most up-to-date information.
What if I Move into a Care Home?
If you move into a care home, your council tax situation will depend on the type of care you receive and whether you retain ownership of your property.
If you move into a residential care home and sell your property, your council tax liability will cease. This is because you no longer occupy the property.
And if you move into a nursing home but retain ownership of your property, you may still be liable for council tax on an empty property.
However, there may be temporary discounts available depending on your specific circumstances. It’s essential to contact your local council to discuss your options.
What if I’m Receiving Pension Credit?
Pension Credit benefits people over state pension age with low income. One of the advantages of receiving a Pension Credit is that it can help you qualify for significant reductions or even total exemption from council tax.
This benefit is separate from council tax reduction and is assessed based on your income and savings.
If you’re over 80 and receive Pension Credit, contacting your local council to ensure you’re receiving the maximum council tax reduction available is highly recommended.
More information on council tax and available discounts is available from your local council.
They will have the latest data on specific schemes and eligibility requirements in your area, and you can usually find information on council tax on your council’s website.
They may also have dedicated phone lines or in-person services to assist you.
