Discount
25%, 50% or 100%
A full Council Tax bill is based on at least 2 adults living in a home. A person who is severely mentally impaired is not counted, which is why the bill can fall. This page covers England.
Quick facts
- Discount
- 25%, 50% or 100%
- You need
- A certificate from a medical professional, such as your GP
- Also
- Certain benefits, which your council checks
- Apply
- To your local council
- Where
- England
Who can get it — the full rules
You need two things. First, a certificate from a medical professional, such as your GP, saying you are severely mentally impaired. Second, proof that you get certain benefits. Each council checks which benefits it accepts, so ask yours.
The discount can be for you, or for someone you live with. The person who qualifies does not need to be the one who pays the bill.
How much it takes off
- 100% off if you qualify and you live alone, or every other adult also qualifies or is a full-time student
- 50% off if you qualify and everyone else in your home is also disregarded
- 25% off if you live with someone who qualifies, and there are no other adults, or everyone else is disregarded
Disregarded people include under 18s, full-time students, student nurses, some apprentices and live-in carers. They are not counted when the council works out how many adults live in the home.
How to apply
Ask your GP for a certificate
You need a certificate from a medical professional, such as your GP, saying the person is severely mentally impaired.
Check which benefits your council accepts
You must prove you get certain benefits, so check the list with your local council.
Apply to your council for the discount
You need to apply for a discount or exemption, even if you are disregarded.
Tell the council if things change
If you get a discount by mistake you must contact your council, or you could get a fine.
Things to watch
The discount is not automatic. You must apply, even if the person clearly qualifies. The council may ask you to pay back a discount you got by mistake.
If your home also has an extra room or extra space for a disabled person, ask the council about the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme as well. It moves your bill to the next lowest band.
Phone, forms and how long it takes
- Valuation Tribunal (help with an appeal)
- 0303 445 8100
- Apply for the discount (find your council)
- GOV.UK: Apply for a Council Tax discount
- If the council has not given the discount
- Write to your council saying why you think your bill is wrong.
- If you disagree with the council's decision on your bill
- If the council's decision is wrong, or it has not replied within 2 months, you can appeal to the Valuation Tribunal.
From the official pages (gov.uk), re-checked every night. Numbers and times can change, so check the official page before you send anything.
Common questions
What is the council tax severe mental impairment exemption?
If everyone in your home is severely mentally impaired, or you live alone and qualify, you get 100% off. Other households get 25% or 50% off.
Do I need a doctor's certificate for the severe mental impairment discount?
Yes. You need a certificate from a medical professional, such as your GP.
Which benefits qualify for the council tax SMI discount?
GOV.UK says you must prove you get certain benefits and to check with your local council.
Can I get it if I live with my partner?
If your partner is counted and you qualify, the bill can drop by 25%. If your partner is also disregarded, it can drop by 50%.
Is it backdated?
GOV.UK does not say. Ask your council when you apply.