Council tax bills can be a significant financial burden for many, particularly when living in a household with multiple adults. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and State Pension recipients may already be familiar with various benefits and entitlements, but fewer people know about the potential council tax discounts available to specific groups.
These discounts are often overlooked, leaving many eligible individuals paying more than necessary. While the single person’s discount is well-known, certain individuals or households may qualify for a 25% council tax discount even if they live with others. Let’s break down the different categories that can benefit from these reductions.
Full-Time Students: Reductions For Shared Households
Full-time students often get overlooked when it comes to council tax calculations, meaning they don’t count as adults for tax purposes. This can result in significant savings for people living alone, but did you know that you could still receive a 25% council tax discount even in a shared home?
If you live with other people, and everyone in the household is a full-time student, the council tax bill could be reduced by up to 100%. However, if at least one person in the home isn’t a student, you may still be eligible for a 25% discount. Full-time students, student nurses, and certain apprentices can be considered disregarded for council tax purposes as long as they meet specific criteria.
Apprentices, for example, must not earn more than £195 per week, and their apprenticeship must lead to a qualification recognized by official bodies like the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) (Mirror, 2025).
This reduction is significant, and it’s worth checking if your household members qualify. Full-time students are disregarded, meaning they won’t be included in the calculation of your council tax band.
Carers and Diplomats: Special Considerations for Unique Roles
While most adults contribute to council tax calculations, certain roles are exempt from this. For example, if you are a live-in carer who cares for someone who is not your partner, spouse, or child under 18, you may be disregarded for council tax purposes. Similarly, diplomats are typically exempt from council tax under international agreements, meaning they don’t count as adults for tax purposes, thus potentially qualifying for a 25% council tax discount even when living with others.
These roles are often overlooked, but if you fit into either of these categories, it’s important to check if your status as a disregarded person can help reduce your tax burden.
Disabilities and Special Needs: Discounts That Make a Difference
There are two specific council tax discounts available to those with disabilities: the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme and the Severely Mentally Impaired discount. The Disabled Band Reduction Scheme applies if your disability means that you require additional space or facilities in your home, such as extra rooms for a wheelchair or other specialized equipment.
If your home’s council tax band is reduced, you could save up to 17% on your council tax bill if you’re already in the lowest council tax band.
However, if you or someone you live with is severely mentally impaired, you may be eligible for a 25% council tax discount if you meet the required criteria. To qualify, you’ll need a certificate from a medical professional, such as a GP, confirming the impairment.
If everyone in the household qualifies as disregarded (e.g., full-time students or other people with disabilities), you could receive a 100% discount on council tax. Otherwise, you may receive 25% or 50% off, depending on your situation (Gov.uk, 2025).
It’s essential to check with your local council and ensure that your eligibility for these discounts is properly documented. You can visit the official Gov.uk website to find more information and verify your eligibility.
Young People and Apprentices: Age Can Lead to Discounts
Age plays a critical role in determining whether someone is disregarded for council tax purposes. If you are under 18, you are automatically disregarded, meaning you don’t count as an adult for council tax calculations. This applies even if you live with other adults.
If you’re under 25 and still in full-time education, you could also be disregarded, which can help reduce the tax bill for the entire household. This also extends to apprenticeships, as long as you meet the specific criteria.
Apprentices must not earn more than £195 per week, and their training must lead to a recognized qualification. If you’re in this category, you could qualify for the 25% council tax discount, even if you live with others who do not fall into the disregarded categories.
How to Apply for a Council Tax Discount
It’s important to note that council tax discounts are not applied automatically, so you’ll need to apply through your local council. To do so, you’ll likely need to provide documents that prove your eligibility, such as a full-time student certificate, proof of your apprenticeship status, or medical documents in the case of disabilities.
If you qualify for any of these discounts, your local council will be able to adjust your bill accordingly. For those unsure about eligibility, the Gov.uk website is a valuable resource for verifying your status and getting more information about how to apply for council tax reductions.
