Council Tax and Council Tax Support
Young people who have left care in Dorset Council are exempt from Council Tax until the age of 25 if they:
- are living alone
- live in the Dorset Council area
Even if they do not live alone, they will still be eligible to claim a 25% reduction in their Council Tax bill.
After their 25th birthday Care Leavers will be liable for full Council Tax bills unless they meet the standard criteria for a reduced bill. Help with applying for Council Tax Support should be given to a Care Leaver approaching their 25th birthday should this be the case.
Housing Benefit
Housing benefit has largely been replaced with Universal Credit in most circumstances, however there are still a few exceptions whereby a young person may need to claim housing benefit (exempt supported accommodation). Their Social Worker or Personal Assistant should ask the provider or landlord how their accommodation is categorised by housing benefit to help the young person claim correctly.
Universal Credit
Young people will usually only be able to claim Universal Credit if they are aged 18 or over, but some people aged 16 or 17 may be eligible, depending on their circumstances. Young people should be encouraged to make an application for Universal Credit 4 weeks before their 18th birthday if they are on a low income or unemployed. Usually, young people cannot claim Universal Credit if in full-time higher education or training, but in exceptional circumstances they may still be eligible to apply. Universal Credit payments consist of a standard allowance and any extra amounts that apply, for example if you:
- have children
- have a disability or health condition which prevents you from working
- need help paying your rent
A young person will need the following documents to apply:
- bank, building society or credit union account details
- an email address
- information about housing, for example how much rent you pay
- details of income, for example pay slips
- details of savings and any investments
- details of childcare costs if applying for help with childcare costs
- proof of ID like a passport or driving license