Certain medical conditions may entitle UK residents to a significant reduction\u2014or even a complete exemption\u2014from their council tax bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to UK legislation and guidance from MoneySavingExpert (MSE<\/a>)<\/em>, individuals may be eligible for a council tax discount if they are medically certified as being severely mentally impaired (SMI) and meet additional criteria related to benefit entitlement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The discount ranges from 25% to 100%, depending on household composition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To qualify, a person must hold a certificate from a general practitioner (GP) or another recognised medical authority confirming that they are severely mentally impaired. In addition, they must either be in receipt of, or at least eligible for, certain state benefits<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nA severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning (however caused) which appears to be permanent.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Medical Conditions That May Be Considered as SMI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The term severely mentally impaired<\/strong> is not strictly tied to a specific diagnosis. Instead, it refers to the overall impact on a person\u2019s cognitive and social abilities. MoneySavingExpert<\/em> outlines several medical conditions commonly associated with an SMI classification. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Dementia<\/em> (including Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Severe learning difficulties<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Multiple sclerosis<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cerebral palsy<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Severe stroke<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Schizophrenia<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
MSE<\/em> explains:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nYou can be diagnosed as SMI as a result of a range of conditions \u2013 which could include things like dementia, schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis, having had a stroke, or having had an accident which permanently affects your intelligence and social functioning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many conditions can underlie being SMI, but no condition means a person is definitely also SMI. Being SMI is a doctor\u2019s diagnosis in its own right.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
This highlights that each case is assessed individually. A medical condition alone does not guarantee qualification. The diagnosis of SMI must be based on the impact<\/strong> of the condition rather than the condition itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How Much of a Discount Can Be Received<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The level of reduction depends on the number and type of occupants in the household. A person diagnosed as severely mentally impaired (SMI<\/a>) who lives alone is entitled to a 100% exemption from council tax. <\/p>\n\n\n\n