Are you claiming all reductions you may be eligible including those for disabled people?

There are three main ways to get a discount or reduction on your Council Tax. You may be eligible for one, two or all three options. 

This information applies to England and Wales however similar schemes apply in Scotland & Northern Ireland 

Disabled Band Reduction                     

This scheme reduces your Council Tax by one band (ie Band “C” to Band “B”) if you or someone you live with is permanently disabled. Eligibility varies slightly with different councils however you may qualify if you have and need one of the following:

•   enough space to use a wheelchair indoors
•   a room used by the disabled person or to store their associated equipment, other than the bathroom or kitchen
•   an extra bathroom or kitchen needed by the disabled person
(Items such as stairlifts, handrails or ramps generally do not qualify)

Disabled band reduction does not count as a benefit it is not means-tested, so you can be eligible if you have savings or income. For this reason it is relatively easy to apply for and often involves the completion of simple form which is followed up by a council team member who visits the property to confirm if eligible. 

Council Tax Reduction

Sometimes known as Council Tax Support it is a means-tested scheme which considers your household income, savings and any benefits claimed.

You can apply if you are on a low income or claiming one of the main income-based means tested benefits including pension credit.
Being on a benefit will not automatically mean you will be eligible for a reduction.

In the majority of cases you will not be eligible if you have over £16,000 in savings. Some councils have lower limits. Council Tax Reduction is classed as a benefit, but it will not affect other benefits. Eligibility varies for every council in England and Wales. There is no set amount for Council Tax Reduction because it depends on your circumstances.

Single Person Discount

You may qualify for 25% off your Council Tax if you:

•    are the only adult living in your home or
•    live with adults who are exempt which may include some carers, full time students or someone who has permanently moved into care or hospital.

The Single Person Discount is not counted as a benefit and not means-tested so you may be eligible if you have savings or income and for that reason is easy to apply for.

There may be other reductions or exemptions such as the property being vacant, those with severe mental impairment or a second adult living in the home on low income. All details will be on your local council website so worth looking a or ringing if you are unsure.

How To Apply

For all discounts or exemptions visit your council website (or call) where details will be recorded under the Council Tax Reductions & Discounts section.

Don’t put off applying as if you are eligible, any reduction can result in significant savings! 
                                               

Aspire Money Matters Service 

Our Money Matters Service supports those affected through spinal cord injury with everyday money issues from budgeting to debt problems. The service operates on Monday and Tuesdays only with slots available between 9am-3.30pm.

If you have any queries relating to council tax reductions and feel you would benefit from an informal chat then email [email protected] with your phone number and a suitable date and time to ring so I can contact you and we can take it from there.

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