Severely mentally impaired

How to apply

If you live with someone who has been diagnosed with a mental impairment which appears to be permanent, you can apply for a 25% reduction. The definition in the legislation is "...A person is severely mentally impaired if he/she has a severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning (however caused) which appears to be permanent." 

If a person who is severely mentally impaired lives alone, they could be entitled to a full council tax exemption.

For this exemption, we ask you to provide a certificate from your GP to confirm that you have been diagnosed with an illness that appears to be permanently affecting your mental and social functioning.

You will also need to be in receipt of one of the following benefits:

  • Incapacity benefit
  • Employment support allowance
  • Attendance allowance
  • Severe disablement allowance
  • The care component of a disabled living allowance payable at the higher/middle rate
  • The standard or enhanced rate of the daily living component of the personal independence payment
  • An increase in the rate of disablement pension
  • Disability working allowance
  • Unemployability supplement and/or unemployability allowance
  • Universal credit (limited capability for work/work related activity) element.

Before you apply

Read our guidance notes for a council tax exemption (severely mentally impaired)

Please note that following the link below to apply online will involve setting up an online account first.

Apply for a council tax exemption (severely mentally impaired)

Alternatively, complete our council tax contact form to request a paper application form which you can complete and return to us.

Last updated: ‎05/01/2023 12:17