What happens to Council Tax when my child turns 16+?

Only adult 25% Council Tax Discount

You may get a 25% discount in your Council Tax because you are the only adult who is counted for Council Tax in your house.

You will continue to get the only adult 25% discount when:

• your child is 16 or 17 even if they are working or getting benefits
• your child is 18 and you get Child Benefit for them
• your child is a full-time student or on a government training scheme

You may lose the 25% discount if:

•  your child is 18 or over, depending on their circumstances

Check with your local council for further details and exceptions to these general rules. Also contact the council to report changes in your circumstances.

Council Tax Reduction

You may pay a reduced amount of Council Tax if you have a low income.

You will continue to get this Council Tax Reduction when:

• your child is 16 or 17 years old
• you child is 18 and you still get Child Benefit for them
• your child is a full-time student or on a government training scheme

You may have to pay more Council Tax if:

• your child is 18 or over

How much more Council Tax you need to pay will depend on your child’s income.

Check with your local council for further details and exceptions to these general rules. Also contact the council to report changes in your circumstances.

Reduction scheme for disabled people

To claim a council tax reduction for a disabled person you must show that a disabled person lives in the property and that the property has at least 1 of the following:

• an extra kitchen or bathroom which is there to meet the needs of a disabled person
• any room (except a toilet) which is mainly used by a disabled person to meet their needs
• enough indoor space for a disabled person to use their wheelchair

You can apply for this reduction by writing to the local council.