Living with a disability can come with additional costs, and fortunately, the council tax system in the UK acknowledges this. If you or someone you live with has a disability and your home is adapted to meet their needs, you may be entitled to a reduction in your council tax band.
Who Qualifies?
- People with substantial and permanent disabilities, including physical, mental, and learning disabilities.
- The disabled person must reside in the property.
What Home Adaptations Qualify?
Your property must have adaptations that are specifically designed to address the needs of the disabled person. These adaptations can include:
- An extra bathroom or kitchen to accommodate specific needs arising from the disability.
- An extra room (excluding bathrooms, kitchens, and toilets) that is primarily used by the disabled person and is essential for their well-being. This could be a room for medical equipment, therapy, or simply additional space for maneuvering.
- Sufficient floor space to allow the disabled person to use a wheelchair comfortably within the home.
What are the Benefits?
- If your claim is approved, your council tax band will be reduced by one level. For instance, if your property is currently in Band D, you’ll pay council tax at the Band C rate.
- If your property is already in the lowest Band (A), you’ll receive a reduction of 17% instead of a band change.
- You can still qualify for other council tax reductions and benefits if you’re eligible for them.
How to Apply for a Reduction for Disabilities?
- Contact your local council to obtain a council tax reduction for disabilities claim form. This can usually be downloaded online.
- Complete the form and submit it to your council.
- The council will arrange a visit to your home to assess your eligibility.
- The reduction will typically be applied from the date you submitted your claim.
Important Responsibilities
- If you believe you no longer qualify for the reduction, you must inform your council within 21 days.
- If it’s later found that you were not eligible for the reduction or received an incorrect amount, you may be required to repay the difference.
- Keep all documents related to your claim for future reference.
If you have a disability or live with someone who does, and your home is adapted to meet their needs, applying for a council tax reduction can be a significant help in managing your household finances. Contact your local council today to find out more and see if you qualify.