Carers disregard?

Cress

Just found out that carers disregard had not been applied to my council tax bill.
Have arranged to have the necessary form sent out but wondered how likely are my council to agree to backdate   this?
So annoyed that I put all the relevant details in about what benefits myself and son received ie Income support, carers allowance, esa income based and enhanced Pip for both...but apparently this is something I have to apply for separately...how am I supposed to apply for something I dont know exists?
Whenever I've queried anything with welfare rights they've said I'm getting what I should....was only when I asked at CAB they said I wasn't....surely welfare rights should have spotted this years ago?
So flippin annoying....

janer1967

Hi @Cress This must be so annoying and ope you get it sorted , it just goes to show that unless you have knowledge of the whole benefits system you are not made aware of what you are entitled to

It isnt something I have heard of either

Cress

It's annoying because they ask for and get provided with so much info...this is the fourth time now I've found I or my son has been under paid benefits or overpaying council tax....the guy at the CAB said how the benefit system wasn't  rocket science...it was way more complicated...lol

janer1967

I agree some of it is ok but it is coming on forums like this where you learn some of the things you are entitled to

When I had to finish work I think I maybe should have gone onto new style ESA rather than UC but this was never mentioned to me it looked like UC was the only option open to me

Cher_Alumni

Oh that is annoying @cress.  I'm glad you've found out now but its frustrating thinking of all the years you weren't made aware of your entitlement.  Everyday I learn something new myself on here about the benefits system.    

poppy123456

Hi,

All local councils have their own criteria for council tax reduction but i do know it's extremely difficult to get anything backdated from any council regarding council tax reduction. You may have to fight this, if you are entitled to anything.

The carers discount will only apply if you are the only 2 adults living in the property. If you are then you'll receive a 25% single person discount. https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/financial-support/help-with-household-finances/council-tax-rate-relief

Cress

Thanks @poppy123456
I had a 25% discount because of the severe mental impairment of my son, but apparently should be getting 50% with the carers disregard....
Cant understand why it wasn't applied when they have always had this info...was told I had to apply for it...which, as I say, I didnt because I didnt know it existed....
I'll ask them nicely, lol.
I did manage to get the smi backdated from when they didnt apply it after I told them of change of circumstances, ie. My younger son left for uni, returned home after completing his degree then left again.
Thanks for the advice poppy...