Could you be eligible for a council tax discount?

Did you know that in a two-person household, if you have someone living with you who is ‘severely mentally impaired’, then they are not counted as adults when working out council tax? This means you could be eligible for a 25% discount.

Severe mental impairment means a permanent condition which severely affects intellectual and social functioning. This can include conditions like Parkinson’s, dementia, and learning disabilities. You will need a certificate from your doctor saying the person is severely mentally impaired. The facts are:

• If you are considered severely mentally impaired and you live with one other adult who is not mentally impaired, you will get a 25% discount on your council tax.
• If you are considered severely mentally impaired and you live with two or more other adults who are not mentally impaired (and are not counted as a disregarded person for any other reason), you will not get any discount on your council tax.
• If you are considered severely mentally impaired and you live alone, you may be entitled to an exemption on your council tax.

Your income and savings won’t affect whether you can get this discount, however the resident that is considered severely mentally impaired does need to be in receipt of certain benefits to qualify for the reduction. 

To find out more and apply, visit https://www.ashford.gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-exemptions-and-disregards/disregards/severely-mentally-impaired-reductions/