Second adult reduction
What is 2nd adult reduction?
Second adult reduction is designed to help people who are liable to pay the council tax and who share their home with someone who is on a low income. From April 2014, only those of pension age can claim 2nd adult reduction.
Who can claim?
People of pension age who are liable to pay the council tax and:
- who would not normally qualify for council tax support because their income or capital is too high, and
- who share their home with a person or persons who have a low income
Full time students who share their home with another person or persons who is not a full time student can also claim.
It is the person who is liable to pay the council tax that must claim the second adult reduction.
Who can't claim?
You can only claim this reduction if you are liable to pay the council tax.
You can not claim this reduction if the other person(s) that you share your home with is:
- Your spouse or partner
- Under 18 years of age
- Paying you rent or anyone else in your home is paying you rent
- A joint owner or tenant of the property
How much support will I be entitled to?
The amount of support you will be entitled to will depend on the income of the other adult(s). If there is more than one person living with you, the income of these persons will be added together and the total will be used to decide how much you will be entitled to. The amount of benefit you will receive will be a percentage of your council tax bill (maximum of 25%).
For an estimate of your entitlement to 2nd adult reduction, use the Online Benefits Calculator.
The process is simple and straightforward - however only an estimate of entitlement can be given. A claim form will need to be completed in order that a full assessment can be done.
How do I make a claim?
Please complete and return a claim form:
Alternatively you can call into Lancaster or Morecambe town halls from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, telephone or email your request to us.
Last updated: 09 February 2016