Can someone give me advice please?

[alicejude]

Hi, Can someone help me fathom this out please.

My dad received a letter recently from the council stating he no longer has to pay council tax because of his severe mental impairment and is due for a refund from 2011/2012 tax year.

My Mum passed away in January and was receiving 25% disregards off the council tax bill because of her AD.

My dad's never been diagnosed with any mental illness so I'm not sure where they get this information from. He receives a small amount of pension credit. Dad's 84 and declining after mum's death.

Any answers would be greatfully received.

Many thanks

Alicejude xx

[Grannie G]

The council have got their wires crossed Alice.

Your dad is entitled to a 25% reduction in his council tax because he is the sole occupant of his property.

[alicejude]

Hi Sylvia,

I did phone them and explained this to them, asking if they had got dad mixed up with mum, they said they would check. After 3 minutes or so of my holding on the reply was no and that they had got it right, dad didn't need to pay council tax after 2nd January after mum had died. The guy said something about dad receiving pension credit but I'm still not satisfied because the last thing dad needs is a council tax demand fee for the full amount at the end of the year! I made a note of the guy's name and told him if there were any come backs then I would hold him responsible and he replied with a yes.
Still not happy though xx

[jeany123]

I found this it might be useful to you

How much Council Tax Benefit can you get

If you get Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or the guarantee credit of Pension Credit

If you are getting Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or the guarantee credit of Pension Credit, your benefit will cover the whole of your Council Tax bill and you will have nothing to pay. However, if there are other adults living in your home a deduction may be made from your council tax benefit. This is called a 'non-dependant' deduction and the amount depends on the circumstances of the other adult (the ‘non-dependant’). A non-dependant deduction might apply, for example, if you have an elderly relative or an adult son or daughter living with you. Some people who are ‘non-dependants’ will still not lead to a deduction in your Council Tax Benefit because of their personal circumstances, for example, if they are getting Pension Credit. If the other adult is your partner, your landlord, or a joint owner, tenant or lodger, they do not count as a 'non-dependant' and the deduction will not apply.

If you have a non-dependant adult living in your home and you want to know how this will affect your Council Tax Benefit, you should consult an experienced adviser, for example, at a Citizens Advice Bureau. To search for details of your nearest CAB, including those that can give advice by email, click on nearest CAB.

[alicejude]

Thanks Jeany for your reply.

Dad lives alone and receives about £6.00 per week pension credit because he has savings and receives a works pension, he doesn't receive any other benefits.
Maybe I should take it up with CAB.

Alicejude xx

[jeany123]

Yes that would be best or Age Uk,they helped us with our forms and claims, they are very good .


Jeany x