Reductions for disabled people
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
You may be able to get your council tax bills reduced to a lower valuation band if you have a disability and your home is specially designed or adapted to meet your needs, or you need to have an extra room.
Council tax reductions if you are disabled
If you are entitled to a council tax reduction, your property will be placed on a lower valuation band when your counciltax is calculated.
To qualify, there must be adult or a child who is disabled living in your home as their only or main home. Their disability must be substantial and permanent.
There must be a special feature in your home which makes it possible or easier for the person to live there. For example:
- there may be a stair-lift, ramped access, or a specially adapted bathroom
- there may be an extra room in your home that is used either for the person who is disabled to sleep in, or for them to keep or use equipment in, such as a Braille machine or a dialysis machine.
You must be able to show that if your home did not have the special feature or extra room, it would be difficult for the disabled person to live there, or it could make their condition worse.
How to apply for a council tax reduction for disabled people
If you think that you meet the criteria, you can apply to have your council tax reduced by sending a letter to your council tax department. You can find their address using a Directgov search.
You may be asked to provide a letter of support from a health professional such as a doctor or a nurse.
You can only apply for a council tax reduction for a year at a time and you have to re-apply every year.
If you are unsure if you qualify for a disability reduction or you have applied for one and been refused, seek advice - from a Shelter advice centre or Citizens Advice Bureau, your local council or other local advice centre. Use our directory to find agencies in your area.
