Council Tax reductions
Many families caring for someone pay more Council Tax than they need to. These discounts aren't automatic, so you need to apply to the local council.
Severe mental impairment
For Council Tax, someone counts as severely mentally impaired if they have a severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning that appears to be permanent. This can include people living with dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, or after a stroke.
To qualify, they need a certificate from a medical professional, such as their GP, and they must get a qualifying benefit, such as Attendance Allowance. The council can tell you which benefits count.
What it's worth:
- If they live alone, or only with others who also qualify or are full-time students, there's no Council Tax to pay.
- If they live with one other adult, such as a husband or wife, the bill is reduced by 25%.
Disabled Band Reduction Scheme
If the home has an extra bathroom, kitchen or other room that's needed for a disabled person, or extra space for using a wheelchair indoors, the bill can be charged at the band below. If the home is already in the lowest band, you get a discount instead (17% in England and Wales).
The disabled person can be an adult or a child, and doesn't have to be the person who pays the bill.
Live-in carers
Some people aren't counted when working out how many adults live in a home. This includes a live-in carer looking after someone who isn't their partner, husband, wife or child under 18. If that leaves only one adult who counts, the bill is reduced by 25%. There are conditions, so check with the council.
Help if income is low
Council Tax Reduction can cut the bill by up to 100% for people on a low income or benefits. Getting Attendance Allowance can increase it.
How to apply
Use GOV.UK to find your council's form for a Council Tax discount. It's worth asking whether the discount can be backdated.
In Scotland and Wales
The same kinds of discount are available in Scotland and Wales, through the local council. In Scotland, councils give a 25% discount where someone with a severe mental impairment lives with one other adult, or a full exemption if they live alone.