Households can reduce their council tax bill by up to 100% and pay £0 per month if they meet certain conditions, including having a long-term health condition and claiming specific benefits.
Council tax bills have risen in some areas, adding to financial pressure from higher energy bills and food inflation. In a guide for people looking to save money, Martin Lewis' Money Saving Expert site noted that those with long-term health conditions may qualify for a council tax discount ranging from 25% to 100%, depending on their circumstances.
Severe Mental Impairment criteria
Severe Mental Impairment (SMI) applies when a person has a severe impairment of their intellectual or social functioning, however caused, that appears to be permanent. To apply, a person must first be medically certified as severely mentally impaired by a health professional, such as a GP. This certification does not automatically qualify them.
Additionally, recipients in England and Wales must be claiming at least one of 10 listed benefits. If a person believes they qualify for a discount, they should check with their local authority about the application process. If a claim is accepted, the discount should be applied automatically each year, according to Money Saving Expert.
Medical conditions and benefits
The medical conditions classified as SMI for council tax exemption include dementia (including Alzheimer's disease), Parkinson's disease, severe learning difficulties, multiple sclerosis, long-lasting effects of a severe stroke, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and other severe, permanent cognitive disorders.
Medical confirmation of severe mental impairment is required from a doctor, and GPs cannot charge for providing this certification. The benefits that qualify 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.
Eligible households should contact their local authority to verify their eligibility and begin the application process.
