Birmingham Council Tax Hardship Fund and Additional Support Award 2026

Two Safety Nets Beyond Standard Council Tax Support

If you're on a low income in Birmingham and Council Tax Support doesn't cover enough of your bill, there are two additional layers of help — one automatic, one you need to apply for.

The Automatic Additional Support Award

For the 2026/27 billing year, Birmingham City Council automatically applies a discretionary award of up to £25 directly onto the bills of eligible CTS recipients. It appears on your bill as "2026 Additional Support Award."

You don't apply for this. If you're receiving Council Tax Support, the council checks your account and credits it. It's a small amount, but it's free money that reduces what you owe — check your annual bill or account statement to confirm it's been applied.

The Discretionary Hardship Payment

The Council Tax Support Discretionary Hardship Payment is a separate pot of money for people in acute financial difficulty. Unlike the automatic award, you need to apply for this one, and it's assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This fund exists because the standard CTS scheme leaves some households with a bill they genuinely cannot pay — particularly standard working-age claimants facing the 20% minimum payment on top of other essential costs. The hardship fund can bridge that gap temporarily.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must have an active Council Tax liability and show exceptional personal circumstances that prevent them from meeting their required contribution. The council assesses household income against essential expenditure, including medical or disability costs and unexpected debts. If you may qualify for Council Tax Support, apply for it as well; hardship payments are additional discretionary relief.

How to Apply

Apply online through Birmingham City Council's extra help with your Council Tax page. To book a Connected Communities appointment for advice, call 0121 216 3030.

You'll need to provide evidence of your financial circumstances — income, outgoings, debts, and any exceptional costs you're facing. The more specific you are about why the standard CTS award isn't enough, the stronger your application.

The Award Is Discretionary

The hardship fund is discretionary — there's no automatic entitlement or guaranteed amount, and the council can refuse applications.

If you're dealing with council tax arrears or enforcement action (summons, liability order, bailiffs), contact a free debt advice service and ask the council whether hardship relief can address your specific balance: StepChange (0800 138 1111), National Debtline (0800 808 4000), or Citizens Advice Birmingham (0808 278 7990).

Get the Full Hardship Application Process

The Birmingham Council Tax Reduction Guide includes the complete hardship fund application process for 2026/27, along with the main CTS scheme rules and appeal routes if your application is refused.

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