People who are severely mentally impaired
When we work out how much Council Tax you need to pay, there are certain disregards and exemptions we may be able to apply. These could reduce your bill or even mean you do not need to pay at all.
When we look at the number of adults living in your property, certain adults do not count. We call these adults disregarded people. These disregards may mean that a household is eligible for a discount.
We can also exempt some properties from the charge entirely.
Who is disregarded
A person is severely mentally impaired if:
- they have a severe impairment of intelligence
- they have a severe impairment of social functioning
- the impairment is permanent
We will disregard you if you can provide a certificate from a doctor confirming the impairment and you receive at least one related benefit, including:
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Severe Disablement Allowance
- Disability Working Allowance
- Care component of Disability Living Allowance at middle or higher rate
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at standard or enhanced rate
- an increase in the rate of disablement pension
- an unemployability allowance
- an unemployability supplement
- Income Support including a disability premium on the grounds which include incapacity for work
- Incapacity Benefit
- Universal Credit including limited capability for work
Exemptions
If all residents of a property are severely mentally impaired, and at least one of the residents is liable, we will apply an exemption to the property.
The exemption does not apply where the person liable is not living in the property. For example, residential homes are not exempt, even if all the residents are severely mentally impaired, as the non-resident owner is still liable.
The exemption will end if a person moves in who is not severely mentally impaired or is not a student.
A property occupied only by someone who is severely mentally impaired with someone who is a student will remain exempt.
How to apply
To qualify as a disregarded person, you must download and complete a form. You can also request a form to be sent to you by post. You can send us your completed form online.
This must include evidence of when you started receiving the benefit. The person registered for Council Tax must complete part of this form. You must get a doctor to complete the other part of the form.