Ashfield District Council: Who qualifies for Second Adult Rebate?

Who qualifies for Second Adult Rebate?

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 it is only 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 aged over 18 staying with them.

Who would be classed as a 'Second Adult'?

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' are any people who are liable to pay the Council Tax themselves. This includes the Council Tax payer's partner, joint-tenants, lodgers and certain students.

How much 'Second Adult Rebate' can I receive?

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.

How can the rebate be claimed?

To claim, the Council Tax payer, not the second adults, must fill in an application form. This is the same form as that used to claim "main" Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit. 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.

Call us on 01623 457400 or download a Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit application form to claim your rebate.

What information is needed to assess a person's entitlement to Second Adult Rebate?

The Council only needs to know about the circumstances of the Second Adult(s). Full details of their income and savings will be required. The information we need is shown 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.