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Exceptional relief

If you are of working age, receive council tax support and are having exceptional difficulty paying your council tax, you can apply for exceptional relief.

The fund is only available to help pay your council tax. 

There is no legal right to payments, but we will look at all applications fairly and equally.  We will pay particular attention to vulnerable people when looking at applications.

Our Discretionary Financial Assistance Policy explains the background to the fund.

Read the Discretionary Financial Assistance Policy

How to apply 

You will need to complete 2 forms.

  1. For the first stage you will need to complete the 'Exceptional Relief Award application'. 
  2. For the 2nd stage, you will need to use the 'Better Off Calculator', which will collect all of your income and expenditure details. This will help us ensure that you get the most appropriate help and advice.
  3. At the end of the 'Better Off Calculator' process there will be an option to 'Share with an adviser', please click on this button.
  4. When asked to send an email, choose 'Crisis and Resilience Team'.

Please note that you will also be required to provide your last 2 most recent bank statements (for all current and savings accounts).Apply for an exceptional relief award

Better Off Calculator

Or ring our benefits advice line on 0300 1234 121. 

We’ll give you an appointment for an advisor to ring you back to complete the application form. 

We’ll look at your application and write to tell you about our decision.

Our letter will tell you the reason for our decision and what to do if you’re not happy with it.

What do I need to tell you?

You will need to tell us:

  • Your National Insurance Number or Housing benefit claim number
  • About your income (and your partner's if you have one)
  • About any savings you have (and your partner's if you have one)
  • The money you pay out (and your partner if you have one)
  • About your health and any medical circumstances or disabilities that you have
  • Why you need extra help with your council tax

How much help can I get?

  • We can pay up to 100% of what is left of your council tax after council tax support
  • We will make any payment direct to your council tax
  • We will expect you to work with us to find long term solutions to your financial situation

Last Updated:

21/05/2026

Need help?

Most issues can be resolved online, it's the quickest and most convenient way to get help.

Use our contact us form
  • Benefits
  • The most frequently asked information and the solutions can be found using the blue button to the left and if none of the options on that page apply use the 'Request help with something not listed' option to contact us.
  • 0300 1234 121