By accessing our wide range of 24/7 online services
By emailing directly to the relevant service
By phoning First Contact on 01268 882200 (8.45am to 5.15pm Mon to Thurs, and to 4.45pm on Fri).
By pre-booked appointment at the Kiln Road office (9.00am to 4.00pm Mon to Fri) - these can be arranged by phoning First Contact on 01268 882200.
Local Council Tax Support is a discount for Council Tax. The level of discount is based on the income of the household. Currently the maximum discount is 70% of Council Tax for working age households and up to 100% for pensioners.
Anyone who has to pay Council Tax can apply. However Council Tax Support is there to help people on low income to pay their Council Tax bill. It is assessed by looking at your:
You will not be entitled to Council Tax Support if:
Once the above has been looked at it will be decided how much, if any, your Council Tax bill will be reduced by. If you are of working age you will pay at least 30% of your Council Tax bill. If you are entitled to Council Tax Support this figure will show as a deduction on your Council Tax bill.
You can find out if you may be entitled by using our Calculator.
Online
You must make your claim by completing the Online Claim Form
By Phone
If you require assistance to make an online claim please call our First Contact team on 01268 882200 who may be able to help you.
Need to send us evidence for your claim?
To supply evidence to support your claim is simple. All you need to do is photograph or scan your documents; save them on your smart phone, tablet or computer, and then upload your photograph or documents via our website. https://www.castlepoint.gov.uk/upload-evidence
How long will it take to process my application?
Your application will be processed as soon as possible. You can help to speed up your application by making sure you supply all the right information.
No, Council Tax Support cannot be backdated.
You can appeal to us against the amount of Council Tax you have to pay for either of the reasons below
See the Benefit appeals page for more information.
If you have any changes to your income or savings, members within the household or move address you must inform us promptly of this so that your claim can be updated and the correct Council Tax Support amount awarded.
See the Change in circumstances page for more information.
You must contact us straight away. There are other agencies that may be able to help with your financial situation, please see the Welfare and Debt - Information and Advice page.
Other discounts and exemptions are not affected by this scheme. See the full list of exemptions and discounts on our Council Taxpage.
If you need any help or advice you can speak to one of our First Contact team by telephoning 01268 882210 or see the welfare & debt page.
For more details on the key elements of the scheme and the council decision, consultation, equality impact assessment see the Local Council Tax support page.