Should I be paying council tax while on ESA and PIP?

julietinblack

Hi everyone,

Nice to meet you.

I was just wondering should i be paying counsel tax on ESA and high rate mobility middle rate pip..!?!

I have lived in Blackpool for 4 years and have paid a reduction but  people keep telling me i shouldn't be paying anything, i didn't when living in other parts of the country.

Thanks for reading.

Juliet

thespiceman

Hello @julietinblack.  Pleased to meet you welcome.

Thank you for joining and sharing.

I am one of the team of community champions who guide, advise and help new members who join the forum.

In response to your benefit enquiry. I am unsure of an answer. There will be members of our community or a member of our team be able to advise.

Have you spoken to CAB they may be to advise on your benefit query.

They have expertise and knowledge.

Have a look at our website for further information if that helps you.

We are friendly.

Please take care.

@thespiceman

poppy123456

Hi,

Local councils have their own rules for council tax reduction. If you're the only adult living in your house then you'll receive a 25% discount. It's not unusual to have to pay a small contribution towards your council tax because most people do. I receive ESA and PIP and i have to pay £11 per month. Those days where you used to receive 100% reduction when claiming a means tested benefit mostly don't exist anymore.

julietinblack

Thank you Poppy. Juliet

Topkitten

It does vary from Council to Council but in addition to the living alone reduction of 25% there are usually some discounts for disability and/or low income. Most benefits are not advertised and staff are usually under orders not to volunteer information or risk losing their jobs but they must answer with a yes or no if you ask about specific benefits (by law).

TK

Kay67

Good morning, I also get ESA support & the high rate off pip & mobility & pay £19 a month, have been for a while now, something concerns me though, I don't know if anyone else on here claiming the same benefits I've just mentioned, yesterday I received a letter from Hackney council,housing benefits council tax & homeless prevention team asking me to send personal information like bank details in order to work out if I'm entitled to what I'm getting, I've never seen a letter from Hackney housing benefit, council tax & homeless prevention before.Have contacted the Welfare advisor that's dealt with any concerns before for a second time, no reply

Its like there's no support network anymore, couldn't come at a worse time, not into Xmas personally but it's not easy, panic mode is setting in! Where can we get help now with no welfare advisors!? Am house bound!

Kay67

I was meant to write I've never seen a letter like the one I received yesterday from the housing benefit, council tax & homeless prevention team/department, I've had many letters over the years from Hackney council but not like the one I mentioned! How do I know it's not someone making out they're from the Housing benefit & council tax, homeless team/dept!?

poppy123456

@Kay67 this thread is over 5 years old, it would have been better to start your own thread. Usually if they ask you to send bank statements it's because they are doing a review and checking your benefits entitlement is correct.

I can only guess why it's from the homeless team though. If you have any doubts you should ring them or email them to ask if they've sent you a letter recently. This way you'll know if it's legitimate or not.

Kay67

Hi Poppy123456, Thank you for your quick reply, ok I will do that,

Kind regards

From Kay67