People with certain medical conditions, including dementia and Parkinson's, may be entitled to a Council Tax discount or full exemption, with reductions ranging from 25% to 100% of the bill, under current government guidelines.
The Labour government has confirmed that households may apply for a reduction if someone in the household is severely mentally impaired. Martin Lewis, the BBC and ITV personality, outlined two criteria that must be met for eligibility.
Conditions that may qualify
The first criterion is being medically certified as 'severely mentally impaired'. Mr Lewis, 54, lists seven example conditions: dementia (including Alzheimer's), Parkinson's, severe learning difficulties, multiple sclerosis, complications from cerebral palsy, or after a stroke.
Mr Lewis added: "This all depends on each person's individual case and be aware that simply having been diagnosed with one of these conditions doesn't automatically mean they qualify for the discount – a doctor must also certify they are 'severely mentally impaired'."
Benefits required for eligibility
The second criterion involves receiving at least one of a list of benefits. These include Incapacity Benefit, Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (higher or middle-rate care component), Increase in Disablement Pension (due to constant attendance being needed), Unemployability Supplement or allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance, Income Support (which includes a disability premium), Personal Independence Payment (standard or enhanced daily living component) and Armed Forces Independence Payment.
In England and Wales, disability working allowance (based on getting income support, like disability premium) and Universal Credit (including an element for limited capability for work or limited capability for work and work-related activity) also count. In Scotland, tax credits (including disability element), Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit may be considered, with eligibility for but not actual receipt of a benefit potentially sufficient, though this varies by council.
Examples of refunds received
One MoneySavingExpert reader reported: "My aunt received a refund worth over £7,000 and won't have to pay Council Tax again. She has been profoundly deaf since birth and now has dementia. At 96 and bed-bound, this will go towards getting her the support she requires."
A second reader said: "Thanks so much for the tip about this Council Tax discount, I'd never heard of it. My aunt, who has dementia, just received a refund from her council for £4,200. Looking ahead, it also means she'll be saving around £1,200/year off her Council Tax bill – a significant sum for a 92 year old with limited income."
