List of Medical Conditions That Do Not Require Payment of Council Tax

Thousands of people in the UK pay council tax without realizing they may be eligible for a discount or be able to avoid paying the national tax.

It appears that many may qualify for a discount if a physician certifies them as “severely mentally impaired” (SMI).

Discounts are different for people who live with others; in certain situations, this could mean that you owe money for overdue bills.

You can review the complete list of SMIs below if you believe you may qualify for a council tax discount or exemption due to a medical condition.

Full list of medical conditions that waive council tax payments

The following conditions are classed as SMI:

• Multiple sclerosis
• Learning difficulties
• Parkinson’s
• Dementia (including Alzheimer’s)
• Long last effects of a severe stroke

While the conditions listed above are considered to be part of SMI, a medical professional’s diagnosis is required to apply for the council tax discount.

To be eligible for the discount, you must not only have an SMI but also be receiving one of the following benefits in England, Wales, or Scotland.

It is noteworthy that in Scotland, an individual who meets the eligibility requirements for the benefit but does not receive it may also be eligible for a council tax discount.

Among the advantages are the following:

• Incapacity Benefit
• Attendance Allowance
• Severe Disablement Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance (higher or middle-rate care)
• Increase in Disablement Pension 
• Unemployability Supplement or Allowance
• Constant Attendance Allowance
• Income Support (includes a disability premium)
• Personal Independence Payment (standard or enhanced daily living)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment

In England and Wales, the benefits you have to be claiming include the following:

• Disability Working Allowance
• Universal Credit

If you meet the following requirements, you can also apply for a discount while in Scotland:

• Employment and Support Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Tax Credits (including disability element)

If you are a single person with an SMI diagnosis, you may be eligible for a 100% discount on your council tax.

People classified as SMI who live with an adult caretaker may be eligible for a 50% discount, or a single person living with a council tax-qualifying family member may receive a 25% discount.

Nobody with an SMI who lives with two or more paying adults, however, will be eligible for a discount.

How to get a discount on council taxes

You should get in touch with your local council and provide a doctor’s diagnosis as proof of diagnosis if you believe you may be eligible for a council tax discount.

It’s crucial to understand that because every local government has its own policies, councils are not required to backdate claims of council tax discounts.