Council Tax reduction for disabled people

You may be able to get help with your Council Tax through a discount or reduction scheme. These schemes are different for every council in England and Wales.

Some people are exempt from Council Tax. This means they do not have to pay it at all.

Council Tax exemptions

The easiest way to find out if you are eligible for any help with your Council Tax is to contact your local council.

You will need:

• your address
• your National Insurance number
• you and your partner's income and savings
• any properties you own and income you make from them
• any benefits you claim
• who you live with and their personal situation

How to apply for help with Council Tax

You can also use a free benefits calculator to learn what your council tax reduction might be.

Every council is different so it may not give you an exact amount.

Turn2us benefits calculator

Disability benefits and financial help for disabled people

Universal Credit: what else you are entitled to

There are 3 main ways to get a discount or reduction on your Council Tax:

Disabled band reduction

This scheme reduces your Council Tax by a band if you or someone you live with is permanently disabled. You may qualify if you have:

• enough space to use a wheelchair indoors
• a room used by the disabled person, other than the bathroom or kitchen
• an extra bathroom or kitchen needed by the disabled person

Disabled band reduction does not count as a benefit. It is not means-tested, so you can be eligible if you have savings.

Check your Council Tax band (GOV.UK)

How to apply for help with Council Tax

Council Tax Reduction

Some councils call this Council Tax Support. It is a means-tested scheme. It considers your income, savings and any benefits you claim.

If you claim Universal Credit, this does not automatically entitle you to help with your Council Tax.

You can apply if you are on a low income or claiming one of the following:

• income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Income Support 

You will not be eligible if you have over £16,000 in savings. Some councils have lower limits. Council Tax Reduction is classed as a benefit, but it will not affect your other benefits.

Eligibility varies for every council in England and Wales. There is no set amount for Council Tax Reduction because it depends on your circumstances.

How to apply for help with Council Tax

Single Person Discount

You may qualify for 25% off your Council Tax if you:

• are the only adult in your home or
• live with adults who are exempt 

Council Tax exemptions

If you live with another adult on a low income who is not your partner, you can apply for a Second Adult Rebate. How much you get off your bill will depend on their income.

You cannot get a Second Adult Rebate at the same time as Council Tax Reduction. 

Check if you can get a Second Adult Rebate on your Council Tax (Citizens Advice)

The Single Person Discount is not:

• counted as a benefit and
• not means-tested, so you can be eligible if you have savings

You need to apply through your local council.

How to apply for help with Council Tax

Some people do not need to pay Council Tax, such as:

• unpaid live-in carers looking after someone for at least 35 hours a week who is not their spouse, partner or child under 18
• paid live-in carers earning less than £44 a week
• full-time students

Who is a full-time student? (Turn2us)

You may also be exempt if you move somewhere else to be cared for. For example:

• into a care home
• into a hospital
• to live with relatives

This must be a permanent move. If anyone else lives in your property after you have moved out, they will have to pay Council Tax.

Council Tax exemptions are not means-tested. This means you can have savings and still be eligible. They are not counted as a benefit.

You need to apply for an exemption through your local council.

Find your local council (GOV.UK) 

How to apply for help with Council Tax

Severe mental impairment exemption

People with a severe mental impairment (SMI) can get a Council Tax exemption.

Some conditions that can lead to severe mental impairment include:

• Alzheimer's disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• severe learning difficulties
• stroke
• dementia

A doctor needs to write a letter to confirm severe mental impairment.  You can get a claim form by asking your local council.

Read more about the Severe Mental Impairment Disregard scheme (gov.wales).

You can apply for help with your Council Tax through your local council by:

• going on their website
• calling them

Ask if you need a paper form.

Contact your local council

Check with the council what evidence you need to support your claim. Usually, it is your most recent:

• proof of identity, such as a passport or driving licence
• proof of address, such as a gas, electricity or water bill
• bank statements
• proof of savings

Proof of identity checklist (GOV.UK)

Your local council may ask for details of other people you live with and proof of other benefits.

After you have applied, they will send you a letter telling you:

• if you are eligible for help with your Council Tax and
• how much you will still need to pay (you will not need to pay anything if you are exempt)

If you disagree with the decision, you can ask your local council to review it.

Contact your local council (GOV.UK)

If you do not hear back within 2 months or disagree with the outcome of the review, contact the Valuation Tribunal about your claim.

Appeal to the Valuation Tribunal for England

Appeal to the Valuation Tribunal for Wales