Money off Council Tax for people with a severe mental impairment

If you have been diagnosed by your doctor as suffering from a condition or illness that is classed as a severe mental impairment or care for someone who does, you may be entitled to receive a reduction or exemption on your Council Tax. If you are suffering from a severe mental impairment and live alone, your home is exempt.

You are considered to be severely mentally impaired if you have a severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning (however caused) which appears to be permanent, such as Alzheimer's.

It is your right to claim this discount or exemption. Claiming this discount does not adversely affect any eligibility for any other welfare benefits.

Qualifying Criteria

To qualify for this Council Tax discount the following conditions must be met.

The person must have been medically certified by a doctor confirming the severely mentally impaired condition. A doctor may diagnose someone because they have dementia, Parkinson's, severe learning disabilities or have had a stroke. However, not everyone with one of these conditions will be eligible for this Council Tax discount as they must also be entitled to, but not necessarily receiving, any of the following benefits:

Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance
Working Tax Credit including a disability element
Attendance Allowance
Un-Employability Supplement Allowance
Severe Disablement Allowance
Constant Attendance Allowance
Disability Living Allowance (high or middle rate care component) or the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment.
Income Support which includes a Disability Premium
Universal Credit which includes an amount in respect of having limited capability for work or work-related activity
Armed Forces Independence Payment
An increase in the rate of Disablement Pension (due to constant attendance being needed)
Job Seekers Allowance including a Disability Premium.