Although you may not qualify for Council Tax Support, you may be entitled to a reduction in your council tax bill through the Council Tax Discount scheme which does not consider your income or savings.
There are two discounts that apply to people with a disability.
1. Where your property is larger due to the needs of a disabled person (including children)
You could pay less council tax if you have a permanent and substantial disability, or if anyone else you live with does.
This is not part of the Council Tax Support scheme, but is done instead by changing the council tax valuation band on your home to a lower one. So if your property is normally band B it will be treated as band A when your council tax bill is worked out. Even if your home is already in the lowest band (band A) your bill will still be reduced.
To be eligible, you’ll need to show that a disabled person is living in the property – whether that’s you or someone else. And the property must have:
- A room that is used mainly by the disabled person and is required to meet their particular needs. For example, the treatment of an illness or condition.
- An additional bathroom or kitchen needed to meet the needs of the disabled person.
- Adaption for wheelchair access or use.
You can apply to the council for this type of reduction. Some have special forms for this purpose. You might need to give them a copy of a doctor’s note, or some other supporting evidence.
2. there is someone living in your property who is ‘severely mentally impaired’.
If the only person living in a property is ‘severely mentally impaired’ then their council tax bill is reduced to nil ie they get a 100% discount.
If there are two adults living in the property and one of these is ‘severely mentally impaired’ and the other is their carer, then the council tax bill is cut in half ie they get a 50% discount.
If there are two adults living in the property and one of these is ‘severely mentally impaired’ and the other is not their carer, then the council tax bill is cut by a quarter ie they get a 25% discount.
Someone is deemed severely mentally impaired if the following apply:
- They have been certified by a medical practitioner as having an impairment of intelligence and social functioning which is expected to be permanent (a GP should be able to provide the certificate).
And they are receiving one of the following benefits:
- Attendance Allowance or Constant Attendance Allowance
- A daily living component of Personal Independence Payment
- The high or mid rate care component of Disability Living Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Employment Support Allowance
- Universal Credit that includes an element due to incapacity for work
- Working Tax Credit that include a Disability Element.
You will need to supply proof of any qualifying benefit.
