If someone has been certified by a doctor as severely mentally impaired, they may not have to pay the full Council Tax.
What does severely mentally impaired mean?
It means the person has a permanent condition that seriously affects their ability to think and interact socially. This can include illnesses like:
- Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Severe learning difficulties
- The after-effects of a major stroke
Who can get the discount?
To qualify, the person must:
Be confirmed as severely mentally impaired by providing either:
- A doctor’s certificate, or
- A signed and dated letter from a registered medical practitioner that includes:
- The practitioner’s full name and address
- Confirmation that the person named in the form has a severe mental impairment affecting everyday social functions, in line with the Local Government Finance Act 1992
- The date the condition has applied from
And receive (or be eligible for, if of pension age) at least one of the following benefits:
- Incapacity Benefit or Employment Support Allowance
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- An increase in the rate of Disablement Pension for Constant Attendance
- Personal Standard or Enhanced Daily Living Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (middle or higher care rate)
- Income Support with Disability Premium
- Universal Credit (limited capability for work)
- Disability Working Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Universal Credit (in circumstances where a person has limited capability for work and or work related activity)
