Council Tax discount checker
Council Tax discounts are among the most under-claimed help available to disabled and older people. The severe mental impairment exemption alone can wipe out the entire bill, and it can often be backdated by years.
What this tool does not do
- It does not make a decision. Only the DWP, your council or the NHS can do that.
- Councils administer these locally and evidence requirements vary. Some run their own additional schemes.
- It does not calculate Council Tax Reduction, which is means tested and differs by council.
- It is an estimate based on published rules and 2026/27 rates, not advice.
Common questions
What is the severe mental impairment Council Tax discount?
If someone is medically certified as severely mentally impaired and receives a qualifying benefit, they are "disregarded" for Council Tax, meaning they are not counted as a resident. A person living alone who qualifies pays nothing at all. Someone living with one other adult gets 25% off. Dementia, Alzheimer’s, a stroke, Parkinson’s and severe learning disabilities can all qualify.
Can the severe mental impairment discount be backdated?
Usually yes, often to the date the medical certificate says the impairment began or the date the qualifying benefit started. Councils vary in how far they will go, but backdated refunds running into thousands of pounds are common. Always ask explicitly for backdating; it is rarely offered.
What is the disabled band reduction?
If your home has an extra room needed for a disabled person, a second bathroom or kitchen, or enough space to use a wheelchair indoors, your bill is charged at the band below yours. If you are already in Band A you get 17% off instead.
Does a live-in carer count?
A carer providing at least 35 hours a week can be disregarded, but not if they are the partner of the person they care for, or the parent of a child under 18. This catches out a lot of spouses who assume they qualify.
Is this the same as Council Tax Reduction?
No, and you can often get both. Discounts and disregards depend on who lives in the property and their circumstances. Council Tax Reduction is a separate means-tested scheme based on income and savings, run differently by each council.