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Discount for the severely mentally impaired

A person is considered as being severely mentally impaired if they have a severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning, which appears to be permanent. This can include people suffering from Alzheimer's disease, strokes and similar illnesses.

Please note - A full council tax bill is based on at least two adults living in a property. Discounts do not apply if at least two people over 18 who live in the same property are counted for council tax purposes. If after discounting occupants there remains only one occupant then a discount of 25% of the council tax bill may be given.

A person who is severely mentally impaired is not counted when calculating the number of occupants.

Please note - You must continue to pay council tax in accordance with your bill until your discount has been granted. Failure to do so may result in recovery action which could incur costs.

Eligibility

To be eligible, the person's doctor will need to certify the impairment.

The person must also be entitled to one of the following benefits:

  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Incapacity Benefit
  • Attendance Allowance
  • any rate of the daily living activity care component of Personal Independence Payment
  • the care component of the Disability Living Allowance payable at either the middle or the highest rate
  • an increase in the rate of his or her disablement pension due to the need for constant attendance
  • the disability element of Working Tax Credit
  • Unemployability supplement (abolished in 1987 but existing claimants remain entitled)
  • Income Support Disability Premium
  • Universal Credit under Part 1 of the Welfare Reform Act which includes an amount if the person has limited capability for work
  • Constant Attendance Allowance or Unemployability Allowance under one of the following:
    • Article 14 or Article 18 respectively of the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme 1983
    • Article 14 or Article 18 respectively of the Naval, Military and Air Force etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order 1983.
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment

How to apply

To apply for this discount, complete the application form and send it to the address on the form. You also need to send your doctor's details and evidence of eligibility for one of the specified benefits.

Apply for the council tax discount for the severely mentally impaired

Appeal

If the Royal Borough of Greenwich decides not to award a discount, you can appeal in the first instance to the Council Tax team within 28 days of notice of the decision stating your reasons. However you may not appeal against the amount of the discount.

Appeal a council tax bill or decision.

Related exemption

If the severely mentally impaired person is the only adult resident in the dwelling, or if all the residents are severely mentally impaired, the property is exempt from council tax.