Are you missing out on a Council Tax discount?

This may include people who have had a stroke or been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or Parkinson’s and those with a severe learning disability. It will depend on each individual’s case and diagnosis will not automatically mean you qualify; your GP will need to sign a medical certificate that says you are severely mentally impaired. You will also need to be eligible for disability benefits which include:

• Attendance Allowance (lower or higher rate)
• Disability Living Allowance (middle or higher rate care components)
• Personal Independence Payment (standard or enhanced rate of the daily living

You can check all the qualifying benefits.

Here are some examples of people who can receive a discount or no Council Tax to pay at all.

Anne

Anne had been claiming the single person's discount on her council tax bill because she lives alone. After her diagnosis of dementia, she successfully claimed Attendance Allowance. Her GP then signed her form under the severe mental impairment rules and so she no longer pays any Council Tax.

John

John is 72 and suffered a severe stroke a couple of years ago. His wife Eileen helps him with all his care needs. John meets the “severely mentally impaired” criteria and is therefore not counted in the calculations. That means Eileen is treated as living alone and will receive a 25% reduction in their Council Tax payments.

Discount available for carers

If you are caring for someone who is receiving a qualifying disability benefit you may be entitled to a Council Tax Discount if you:

• Provide care for at least 35 hours a week
• Live in the same property as the person you care for

You will not qualify for this discount if the person you care for is your spouse or partner or your own child under the age of 18.

George

George has Alzheimer’s and his daughter Karen lives with him and provides full time care. Because George is severely mentally impaired and Karen is his carer, the 50% discount will be applied to their Council Tax bill.

How to claim

Find more information and details of how to apply for a discount or exemption. Our Welfare Rights & Money Advice team provides free, impartial advice on all aspects of money, debts and benefits – please visit our website or get in touch for help and advice.