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Students

Help with rent and Council Tax

Will I be able to get help with my rent?

You may be able to get help with your rent if you are a student and fall into one of the following groups: -

• You are a fulltime student aged under 19 who is following a course of further education. (As soon as you reach the age of 19 you will no longer be entitled)
• You are a part time student
• A lone parent
• A pensioner
• Disabled
• Receiving Income Support
• You have a partner who is not a student
• You are a student couple with dependant children

Can I claim for my rent if I am a Project 2000 nurse?

Only if you: -

• Are a lone parent
• Are disabled
• Have a partner who is not a student
• Are a student couple with dependant children

If I get help with my rent, how long will it be payable for?

You will receive Housing Benefit payments during your period of study, including Christmas and Easter holidays.

Can I receive Housing Benefit during the summer holiday/vacation?

Yes, if you continue to occupy the accommodation you are paying rent for.

How do I claim Housing Benefit?

You will need to complete an application form available from the benefit section.

The only people living in my household are students - do we still have to pay Council Tax?

No, if you and all the other residents are students your property will be exempt.

The other resident of my property is a student - Do I get 25% discount off my Council Tax bill?

Yes, students are disregarded for discount purposes. If there is only one person who is not a student then you can get 25% discount. For Council Tax purposes a student must be: -

• Over 20 years of age and studying full time for an average of 21 hours per week attending a course that lasts for at least one academic year
• 18-20 years of age and studying for an average of 12 hours per week (between 8.00am and 5.30pm) on a course lasting for at least three months
• A spouse or dependant of a foreign student
• A student nurse
• A foreign language assistant

What happens if I am a student and I don't fit into any of the above criteria. Can I still get a reduction on my Council Tax bill?

Most students cannot claim Council Tax Benefit unless they are :

• a lone parent
• A pensioner
• Disabled
• A part time student
• Receiving income support
• Aged under 19 and in further education
• Living with a partner who is a student
• A student couple with dependant children

If you do not fall into one of these groups, your Council Tax bill could still be reduced if other adults in your home are on a low income - This is called Second Adult Rebate.

How do I claim Council Tax Benefit or Second Adult Rebate?

You will need to complete an application form available from the benefit section of your local Council.