Severely mentally impaired

You may get a reduction if someone age 18 or over lives with you and is severely mentally disabled. If you are the only occupier in your home and you are severely mentally impaired, you may qualify for an exemption.

Please note, you will need your 12 digit council tax reference number which is detailed on your bill in order to apply

If you, or someone over the age of 18 who lives with you, has a severe mental impairment, we may be able to reduce your bill. 

The term ‘severely mentally impaired’ refers to persons who have a severe impairment of intelligence or social functioning (however caused) which appears to be permanent. 

If everyone who lives in a property has a severe mental impairment, the property may be exempt from council tax. If the property is also occupied by one person who does not have a severe mental impairment, then a reduction of 25% may apply.

We require confirmation from a medical professional, such as a doctor, that the person has a severe mental impairment and the date in which the medical professional considered this to be permanent. You will also need to provide evidence that this person is in receipt of or eligible for certain welfare benefits.

The qualifying welfare benefits are as follows;

  • Universal Credit (UC) including an element for limited capability for work or work related activity
  • Incapacity benefit (short or long term) or Employment Support Allowance (ESA) (Income Related or Contributory)
  • Income Support (IS) or Employment Support Allowance (ESA) where the applicable amount includes a disability premium because of incapacity for work
  • Attendance Allowance (AA)
  • The Standard or Enhanced Daily Living Rate of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • The Highest or Middle Rate Care Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • Severe disablement allowance
  • An increase in the rate of disablement pension for constant attendance
  • A disability working allowance
  • The disability element of Working Tax Credit
  • Constant attendance allowance payable under the Industrial Injuries or War pensions Schemes
  • Unemployability allowance payable under the Industrial Injuries or War pensions Scheme

If you think that you may qualify for a reduction, please complete the form below, providing as much detail as possible.

Apply here

Once we have been notified there is a qualifying person in the household, we will send you a  form to which must be certified by your GP or other medical professional. Please include evidence of the welfare benefits the applicant is in receipt of or eligible for with the returned application form. 

Overpayment

You must still pay the amount on your council tax bill until you hear from us and have been awarded any reduction. Any overpayment will automatically be refunded if you have paid by Direct Debit, or a credit notice will be issued so that you can claim a refund.

If you no longer qualify for a discount

You must tell us within 21 days if you believe that you are no longer entitled to the discount or exemption. If we find out later that you were not entitled to all or part of the reduction that you were awarded, we will send you a revised backdated council tax bill.