Thousands may qualify for council tax exemptions based on medical conditions

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 7 Nov, 05:00 · Archive

People diagnosed as severely mentally impaired may receive up to 100 per cent council tax reductions depending on their household circumstances.

Thousands of UK households could be missing out on council tax reductions worth up to 100 per cent under rules covering people with serious medical conditions. People diagnosed as severely mentally impaired (SMI) may be disregarded when councils calculate how much council tax is due on a property, resulting in substantial reductions or complete exemption.

Conditions that can result in someone being classed as SMI include dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and learning difficulties. People suffering long-term effects from severe stroke or complications caused by cerebral palsy may also qualify. However, having one of these conditions does not automatically mean someone will receive a reduction.

A person must be diagnosed as severely mentally impaired by a doctor and also meet relevant benefit rules. Qualifying benefits include Attendance Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance and certain rates of Disability Living Allowance. Personal Independence Payment, Armed Forces Independence Payment, Constant Attendance Allowance and some forms of Income Support can also count. Universal Credit is among the qualifying benefits in England and Wales. Different rules apply in Scotland, where Employment and Support Allowance and some Tax Credits can also be considered.

The amount of council tax reduction available depends on who else lives at the address. Someone classed as SMI who lives alone could receive a 100 per cent discount, meaning no council tax to pay. A household could receive a 50 per cent reduction in some circumstances where a person with an SMI lives with an adult carer. A 25 per cent reduction could apply where the person lives with one other adult who is counted for council tax purposes.

How it is being reported

• List of medical conditions that exempt you from paying council taxAnyone with these medical conditions could be exempt from paying council tax in the UK. Find out how to check and apply for an exemption.Wiltshire Times · 7 Nov, 04:48
• List of medical conditions that exempt you from paying council taxAnyone with these medical conditions could be exempt from paying council tax in the UK. Find out how to check and apply for an exemption.Gazette & Herald · 7 Nov, 04:48
• List of medical conditions that exempt you from paying council taxAnyone with these medical conditions could be exempt from paying council tax in the UK. Find out how to check and apply for an exemption.Swindon Advertiser · 7 Nov, 04:48

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