Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Second Adult Rebate

Second Adult Rebate is a benefit for people who are solely liable for Council Tax, but do not get a single person discount because there are other adults living in the property. (Please contact our Council Tax Office if you wish to find out more about single person discount). You cannot claim Second Adult Rebate if you have a partner unless you or your partner are not counted for Council Tax purposes i.e. a student, a student nurse, an apprentice, a youth trainee, is severely mentally impaired, is in hospital or is in prison.

Second Adult Rebate is another way to help you pay less Council Tax. It is not based on the liable persons income, it is calculated on the incomes of other adults (known as second adult/s) who live in the property. Their income(s) must be less than £228.00 per week (gross).

Rates of Second Adult Rebate
If all the other adults receive Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, income related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit, rebate will be 25% of the council tax charged.

If the gross income of the other adults is less than £175.00 rebate will be 15% of the council tax charge.

If the gross income of the other adults is £175.00 up to £227.99 rebate will be 7.5% of the council tax charge.

Who cannot claim Second Adult Rebate?

• A couple who have no other people living in their home
• A single person who is liable for Council Tax and has a border or sub-tenant living in the property
• A couple if neither partner is disregarded for Council Tax purposes (see examples above).
• Joint owner or tenant living in the property

How do I claim?
The person liable for the Council Tax bill and not the second adult(s) must complete an application form giving details of and proof of their own National Insurance number and identity (and that of their partners if they have one, and that partner is disregarded for Council Tax purposes). Details of the second adult(s) including proof of income and capital must also be provided. Where a person liable for the Council Tax bill puts in a claim for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Benefit on their own behalf, then we automatically calculate both Council Tax Benefit and Second Adult Rebate and pay whichever is the highest.

If I qualify, when will Second Adult Rebate start?
Second Adult Rebate will normally be paid from the Monday following the date the application form is received by us. Backdating of the claim can be considered if a continuous good cause explanation can be shown for not making an earlier claim. If you or any partner are 60 years or over, benefit may be backdated a maximum of 3 months before the date of your request. If you and any partner are under 60 years benefit may be backdated for a maximum of 6 months. The request for backdated Second Adult Rebate must be made in writing giving reasons for the delay in applying and providing details and proof of the income and capital of the second adult(s) for the period concerned.

If I qualify, how will Second Adult Rebate be paid?
Second Adult Rebate is paid directly onto the Council Tax bill. You will not actually receive any money unless you have already paid your bill in full. A notification letter advising of the amount of entitlement and a revised Council Tax bill will be issued to the person who applied (the person liable for the Council Tax bill).

Reporting Changes
Once awarded Second Adult Rebate you must tell us of any changes that affect your benefit, such as;

• any adults moving into or leaving your home,
• a change in the income of any adults living with you
• if you move home.

Please view our leaflet below.