How to Apply for Council Tax Reduction in East Riding of Yorkshire

Who Can Apply

Working-age residents of East Riding of Yorkshire with a net weekly income within an eligible band and combined capital of no more than £6,000 can apply for Council Tax Support (the local name for Council Tax Reduction). The scheme runs on income bands — the lower your household income, the higher the percentage knocked off your bill, up to a maximum of 80%.

Pension-age residents follow separate national rules and can receive up to 100%. This guide focuses on the working-age scheme for 2026/27.

Where to Apply Online

East Riding Council handles applications through its online portal at eastriding.gov.uk/mycounciltax. You do not need an existing council tax online account to submit an initial claim, though creating one lets you track your application status afterwards.

Inside the portal, go to Benefits → New Claims → Make a new claim. The portal runs a dual assessment, so an application for Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support automatically checks your eligibility for the other benefit too.

If You Cannot Apply Online

Not everyone can manage the online form. East Riding offers three alternatives:

• Phone the customer line on (01482) 393939 — this logs a contact date but you still need to complete a written statement
• Phone the Your Money Team on (01482) 394633 for one-to-one help with the form
• Visit a Customer Service Centre in person — there are centres in Beverley, Bridlington, Brough, Cottingham, Driffield and Goole

Getting a contact date on record matters because your claim start date is usually the Monday after the council receives your application or initial contact.

The Universal Credit Trap

If you claim Universal Credit and tick "Yes" to help with council tax, the DWP sends an electronic notification to East Riding Council. That notification does not count as a full Council Tax Support application. If you don't follow up with the council, supply your evidence, and confirm the claim is open, it will lapse — and you'll be left with an unadjusted bill.

Always verify directly with East Riding Council that they have formally opened a local claim file after you start your UC claim.

What Documents You Need

You must supply acceptable verification within one month of submitting the form, or the claim gets cancelled. East Riding requires:

• Identity proof — passport, photo driving licence, NI card or birth certificate (for you and your partner)
• Council tax bill or utility statement confirming your address
• UC breakdown statement showing all elements and deductions (if on Universal Credit)
• 5 consecutive weekly payslips or 2 monthly payslips (if employed)
• 2 consecutive months of bank statements for every account, ISA and investment you hold
• Non-dependant details — proof of income or status for every adult aged 18+ living in your home

Self-employed applicants need to show total gross receipts minus allowable expenses, tax, National Insurance and 50% of pension contributions.

When Your Claim Starts

Your entitlement usually begins on the Monday after the council receives your application. If you're taking on a new council tax liability (moving into a property), the award can start from the date liability begins — provided you claim within one month.

Backdating is limited to one calendar month for working-age applicants, and you must show continuous "good cause" for the delay throughout that entire period.

Common Mistakes That Delay Claims

• Assuming Universal Credit handles your council tax automatically — it doesn't
• Sending bank statements for only one account when you hold several
• Missing the one-month evidence deadline after submitting the form
• Not providing proof for every non-dependant adult in the household

For a complete walkthrough of the income bands, non-dependant deductions, backdating, the hardship fund and appeals, the East Riding Council Tax Reduction guide covers the full claim process step by step.

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