Q. What is a 'Second Adult Rebate'?
A. This is a form of Council Tax Benefit that is available
to Council Tax payers who share their home with someone on a low income
but who do not have a partner or a paying lodger. It may be payable even
if the Council Tax payer has a high income themselves and would not normally
qualify for benefit.
Q. Who would qualify for Second Adult Rebate?
A. There must be at least one other person living with
the householder who is aged 18 years or older (they are classed as the
'Second Adult(s)') The Council Tax payer must claim the benefit but is
purely based on the financial circumstances of the other adult(s) in the
property. An example of where Second Adult Rebate could be awarded is
where a single parent who is working full time has an unemployed son or
daughter staying with them who are aged over 18.
Q. Who would be classed as a 'Second Adult'?
A. Anyone who is 18 years or older and lives in the home with the Council Tax payer. Examples of 'Second Adults' are grown up children, friends and relatives.
People who cannot be treated as 'Second Adults' include
the Council Tax payer's partner, joint-tenants, lodgers and certain students.
Q. How much 'Second Adult Rebate' can I receive?
A. This depends on the income of the 'Second Adult(s)". If there is more than one 'Second Adult" in the property, their income is added together for the purpose of calculating this benefit. The highest reduction which can be awarded is a 25% reduction in the amount of Council Tax due. Lower awards can also be assessed based on the financial details of the 'Second Adult(s)'.
It is important to remember that the income and savings of the Council Tax payer are not taken into account in the calculation.
Q. How can the rebate be claimed?
A. The easiest way to claim Second Adult Rebate is to
contact the Council using the contact details on the back of this page.
Our staff can then advise you of the claiming process. It is important
to claim benefit as soon as possible so that you do not lose out on potential
entitlement. Second Adult Rebate can only be backdated if there was a
very good reason as to why you did not claim earlier.
Q. What information is needed to assess a person's entitlement to Second Adult Rebate?
A. The Council only needs to know about the circumstances
of the Second Adult(s). Full details of their income and savings will
be required. Further details of what is considered 'acceptable evidence'
are contained on the claim form.
It is important to remember that the income and savings of the Council
Tax payer are not taken into account in the calculation.
Q. Where can I obtain further information?
A. Please contact us using the contact details printed
on the back of this page.
Changes of Circumstances
It is important that the Council is informed straight away if any information that is put on a claim form for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit changes.
REMEMBER - The Benefits Agency are a
separate body and advising them of the changes is not sufficient - the
Council must also be told.
Changes That May Affect Benefit Entitlement:-
> Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance starting
or stopping
> Somebody moving in or out of the household
> Starting or stopping paid employment
> A member of the household being in hospital for more than 6 weeks
> Moving house
> A change of income such as a pay rise/cut or a change in benefits
> A change in the rent (private tenants)
> A change in the amount of savings/capital that you have
NOTE: If too much benefit is paid because of a failure to notify us of a change in circumstances, the Council will ask for the money to be repaid.
Further Information
If you have any questions or would like any more information, please contact the Helpline on (01304) 872199 or write to:
E-mail: revenues@dover.gov.uk
