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Please note: as an older person, finding out which benefits you may be entitled to, and the impact they may have on other benefits, is not always straightforward. There is a huge amount of information available about benefits, but this can be overwhelming or confusing. We would always advise you to seek advice from an independent Welfare Rights Officer, who will be able to look at your individual situation and guide you through the applications process.
You can find details of local and citywide organisations that provide independent and free benefits advice on the Newcastle Welfare Rights webpages.
Council Tax is set by local councils to help pay for local services like policing and refuse collection. It applies to all domestic properties, including houses, bungalows, flats, maisonettes, mobile homes or houseboats, whether they are owned or rented. Council Tax is worked out by your local council, which sets the rates for each year. The amount you have to pay depends on the value of your property and the current rates for your local council.
Council Tax Benefit is paid to you via a reduction of your Council Tax bill.
There are two types of Council Tax Benefit: the ‘main Council Tax Benefit’ and the ‘second adult rebate’. If you are on a low income, or if you live with another adult (not your partner) who is on a low income, you may be able to claim either of these benefits. This will mean you will have some, or all, of your Council Tax paid for you.
You can apply for Council Tax Benefit at your local Community Housing Office.
You can talk to someone about all of the benefits you may be entitled to at an independent advice service. You can find your local advice service by contacting the Newcastle Welfare Rights Service.
Useful information
Age Concern’s factsheet Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit
Counsel and Care's factsheet Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit
Help the Aged’s website
Contact Information
Council Tax Enquiries
Benefits Department, Newcastle City Council, PO Box 1UP, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 1UP.
Telephone : 0845 111 4101, Fax : 0191 277 4823.
Email : benefits@newcastle.gov.uk
Newcastle Welfare Rights Service
Brian Roycroft Centre, The Shopping Centre, Newbiggin Hall Estate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 4BR.
Telephone : 0191 277 2633.
Article last updated December 1, 2008 3:39 pm
