Council Tax Support Exceptional Hardship Fund

If you still have to pay some council tax after your Council Tax Support has been awarded our Council Tax Support Exceptional Hardship Fund can help cover the shortfall. It's a cash limited fund and the awards aren't a payment of the main Council Tax Support scheme.

How to apply

You'll need to provide:

  • why you need the extra help
  • your financial and family circumstances
  • a contact telephone number
  • copies of any documents or other information you think may help us to decide

Download Apply for the Council Tax Support Exceptional Hardship Fund [PDF, 172KB]

Download Council Tax Support Exceptional Hardship Policy [PDF, 130KB]

Return completed application forms to Revenues and Benefits, Plymouth City Council, PO Box 293, Plymouth PL5 9BZ.

How we make our decision

We'll look at your circumstances and we may need to talk to you in person to make sure we fully understand your financial hardship. We do this to make sure your application gets equal consideration with others we've received.

How much you can claim

The amount of exceptional hardship payments you receive is based on your financial and family circumstances and how urgent your claim is compared to others we receive. Each application is dealt with individually and we may only give you help for a short time to cover any temporary difficulties you've got paying your council tax.

How to appeal

Exceptional hardship fund payments aren't part of Council Tax Support and don't follow the same appeal process. But we'll look at the decision again if you feel a mistake has been made or some information hasn't been taken into account. Please send your appeal in writing to Revenues and Benefits, Plymouth City Council, PO Box 293, Plymouth PL5 9BZ.