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    Local Council Tax Support for pension age people

    If you are on a low income you could be eligible for Local Council Tax Support (LCTS) to help you with your Council Tax bill.

    The Government sets the rules we use to calculate Local Council Tax Support (CTS) for people of pension credit age. The support is means tested. This means we will look at your household income and circumstances to decide how much support you will get.

    You are not entitled to Local Council Tax Support if you and your partner have joint savings of more than £16,000, unless you are in receipt of Pension Credit Guarantee.

    Apply online

    Changes in circumstances

    If you get CTS and your circumstances change, you must tell us immediately. This is so we make sure you continue to get the correct amount of CTS.

    Examples of changes in circumstances include:

    • Your address
    • Your income
    • Your savings
    • People living in your home

    You must tell us within 21 days of any change that could affect your liability and any of the reductions you receive, otherwise you could be subject to a civil penalty of £70.

    Exceptional Hardship Payment

    If you get Local Council Tax Support but still cannot afford your Council Tax and are suffering severe financial hardship, we may be able to give you some extra help. Exceptional Hardship Payments (EHPs) are not payments of CTS, but are discretionary payments made by the council.

    Challenging decisions

    If you think the decision we have made about your CTS is wrong you can write to us at any time and ask us to look at it again. We will reply to you in writing within 2 months.

    If you are still unhappy with our decision you have a further 2 months to appeal direct to The Valuation Tribunal. This is an independent organisation who will decide if our decision should be revised.

    Housing benefit

    If you are on a low income and pay rent for your home, you may also be entitled to Housing Benefit.

    Need help?

    Get help from our benefits team online or in person.

    Online

    In person

    Get help from our benefits team in your community. No appointment is necessary. You must be a resident in the Epping Forest district to get help.

    • Tuesday – 9.30am to 12.30pm at Waltham Abbey Outreach, Waltham Abbey Leisure Centre, 19 Hill House, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3EL
    • Thursday – 9am to 5.15pm at Epping Community Hub, Civic Offices, 323 High Street, Epping, CM16 4BZ

    More information