In England and Wales, Council Tax is a monthly bill that households must pay over ten months in a year.

The amount a household pays varies on the valuation band of the property, personal circumstances, and the percentage your local council sheets.

However, thousands of people in the UK are exempt from Council Tax or could be entitled to discounts.

Many of those unaware that they could be entitled to exemptions and discounts are part of the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme.

What disabilities qualify for council tax reduction UK?

According to the UK Government website, you could be “eligible for the scheme if you live in a larger property than you would need if you or another occupant were not disabled.”

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If you qualify under the bill, you could be reduced to the next lowest Council Tax band, meaning if your property is Band D you would pay for a Band C rate.

However, if you’re home is in the lowest band, Band A, you will get a 17% discount on your overall Council Tax bill.

To be able to claim this discount, you will have to show that you have either of the following:

  • an extra bathroom, kitchen or other room that you need for the disabled person
  •  extra space inside the property for using a wheelchair

it’s important to note that the property is the main home for at least one disabled person, whether a child or adult and that does not mean that it needs to be the person responsible for paying Council Tax.

How to apply for the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme

If you think you qualify for the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme, you can check the government website here.

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On the website, you will be asked to enter your postcode to ensure that your local council offers the scheme and how much of a reduction you could be entitled to.

The Disabled Band Reduction Scheme is also different from the Council Tax discounts offered for severely mentally impaired people.

It is also important to note that the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme is only available in England and Wales.