Q My uncle, aged 80, has just moved into a rented old people's bungalow after having lived with his brother rent free. He is having to pay rent of £51.36 a week and Council Tax of £478 a year. His weekly State pension is £88.79 and works pension £50.36 a month. His savings are about £5,000. Does he qualify for any rebates?
AHe is paying nearly £50 a week too much. Rebates will reduce his rent to £5.34 a week, plus water and service charges, and his Council Tax to about £1.64 a week.
QThe form they give me to claim help with the cost of my new glasses asked for my husband's details as well. I do not know his income and he never gives me anything. They will not accept the form without his details. Is there any way around it?
AAfraid not. Partner's incomes are taken into account for means tested benefits with no exceptions made for individual circumstances.
QAll I have is my pension of £77.01 a week and savings of £11,000. Can I get help with my Council Tax of £543?
AYes. A rebate of about £9.47 a week.
QI have been receiving Incapacity Benefit since 1990 which is now £140.85 a week plus Industrial Injuries Benefit of £45.16. I am 61 and my wife, who has no income, is 58. Can I claim a reduction on my Council Tax of £618.52 a year?
AYes. £2.80 a week.
QI get a 25 per cent single person's discount on my Council Tax because I live alone. My adult son is coming to live with me for health reasons. He is only getting Income Support (IS). Will I lose my discount?
A As your son is on a low income, you can claim the Second Adult Rebate (SAR). This does not depend upon your income but his. As he is on IS, the rebate will be 25 per cent leaving your Council Tax unchanged.
QWhen I was awarded Working Families Tax Credit I lost my Council Tax Benefit. Can I now claim a Second Adult Rebate (SAR) in respect of my wife who is on a low income?
ANo. SAR cannot be claimed for a spouse or partner, only a non- dependant.
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