Council tax reduction
You can apply to us to get money off your council tax bill if you’re on a low income or claiming housing benefit or Universal Credit.
What you'll get
You can get up to 100% reduction, depending on:
- your circumstances (for example, income, number of children)
- your household income - this includes things like savings, pension, your partner’s income
- if your children live with you
- if other adults live with you
How do I claim?
If you wish to make a new claim for a Council Tax Reduction you need to fill in an online application form.
If you are already claiming Council Tax Reduction and wish to tell us about a change to your claim, you will need to complete a change of circumstances form.
To make a new claim for a Council Tax Reduction you need to fill in an application form.
Please note: This online form also provides an option to apply for Housing Benefit. For most people, this has now been replaced by Universal Credit so, for most circumstances, applications for Housing Benefit using this form will not be accepted. Visit
make a claim for Universal Credit for further information.
Make a claim for council tax reduction
If my claim is refused
If you are not happy with our decision about your Council Tax Reduction you must email the Benefit Section on benefits@caerphilly.gov.uk, within one calendar month of the date of your letter stating why you think it is wrong.
We will look at your claim again and write to you with our decision. If we don’t respond to you within 2 months or if you are still aggrieved by the decision you may appeal to the Valuation Tribunal Service for Wales (Valuation Tribunal 22 Gold Tops, Newport NP12 4PG).
Change in circumstances
If you are claiming Council Tax Reduction you must tell us about changes that might affect your benefit/reduction straight away. The decision to award you a reduction is based on your circumstances at the time the claim is made.
Failure to report these changes to us could mean that we are giving you too much reduction, which you will need to pay back.
Report a change in your circumstances
Claims for free school meals
If you are in receipt of Council Tax Reduction, you may also be entitled to claim free school meals for any children you are responsible for. This could save you as much as £400 per year per child. Visit our free school meals webpage for details.