{"id":106796,"date":"2025-03-27T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-27T10:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/?p=106796"},"modified":"2025-03-27T09:28:30","modified_gmt":"2025-03-27T09:28:30","slug":"medical-conditions-exempt-paying-council-tax","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/medical-conditions-exempt-paying-council-tax\/","title":{"rendered":"Medical Conditions That May Exempt Patients From Paying Council Tax in the UK"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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 Manchester Evening News<\/a><\/em>, this little-known support scheme could be worth hundreds of pounds each year for those who meet specific criteria. With council tax rates set to rise again in April, many households may unknowingly qualify for relief. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The process involves both medical and administrative steps, and eligibility depends on individual circumstances. While the rules can seem complex, understanding who qualifies and how to apply could ease the financial burden for thousands currently paying more than they should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who Qualifies for a Council Tax Exemption<\/h2>\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

These include Attendance Allowance<\/em>, Disability Living Allowance (DLA)<\/em>, Personal Independence Payment (PIP)<\/em>, Income Support<\/em>, or Universal Credit<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the legal definition, a person is classed as severely mentally impaired if they have<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A 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