Your Council Tax reduction questionnaire

About 15 minutes. There are several Council Tax discounts for disability and illness, and almost nobody claims them — including some that pay back years of overpaid tax.

The one nobody knows about: if someone in the household has a condition that severely impairs their intelligence and social functioning — dementia, Alzheimer's, a severe learning disability, or the after-effects of a stroke — and they receive a qualifying benefit, they are disregarded for Council Tax entirely. If they live alone, that can mean a 100% exemption. If they live with one other adult, a 25% discount. And it can often be backdated to when the condition began — refunds of several thousand pounds are common. This is one of the most underclaimed things in the entire system.

The term "severe mental impairment" is the legal wording councils use. We know it's a horrible phrase — we're sorry. It's the law's language, not ours, and unfortunately we have to use it to get you the money.

About you

Your full name Address including postcode Which council? Council Tax account number (on your bill, if you have it) Council Tax band Roughly how much do you pay a year? Phone number Email Are you applying for yourself or someone else?

Who lives in the property?

How many adults (18 or over) live there, including you? Names and ages of everyone in the household Do you already get any Council Tax discount?

The exemption most people miss

Two things must both be true for this one: a doctor confirms the condition severely impairs intelligence and social functioning (and it's permanent), AND the person receives a qualifying benefit such as Attendance Allowance, PIP daily living, DLA middle/higher care, or the UC health element. Tick anything that applies below and we'll check properly.

Does anyone in the household have one of these conditions?

Which benefits does that person receive?

Roughly when was the condition diagnosed, or when did it clearly begin?

This date matters a great deal. Backdating usually runs from when the condition began and the benefit was in payment — not from when you apply. Give us your best honest estimate and any evidence you have; it can be worth thousands.

Their GP or consultant's name and surgery

Other discounts you may be due

These are separate and can sometimes be combined. Tick anything true.

If you've adapted your home for a disability, what have you done?

The Disabled Band Reduction scheme: if the property has an extra bathroom, kitchen, a room needed for the disabled person, or enough space for wheelchair use indoors, your bill can be charged at one band lower — and Band A properties get a reduction too. Another one that's widely missed.

Anything else?

Send your answers

We'll work out which discounts apply, prepare the forms including the doctor's certificate, and tell you exactly what to do. We'll always ask for the maximum backdating you're entitled to.

Not sure about any of this? Send what you know and we'll work the rest out together.