Money Saving Expert’s Martin Lewis has explained how anyone suffering from a severe mental impairment (SMI) could be entitled to a discount on their council tax bill
Martin Lewis has shed light on how individuals suffering from severe conditions such as dementia, strokes, severe Parkinson’s and brain injuries could be eligible for a £0 council tax bill.
The scheme applies to those living in larger properties than necessary if not for the disability of an occupant. If you qualify, your bill will be reduced to the next lowest Council Tax band. For instance, if your property is in Band D, you’ll pay the Band C rate.
If your home is already in the lowest band (Band A), you’ll receive a 17 per cent discount on your Council Tax bill instead. BBC and ITV star Martin Lewis explained: “A severe mental impairment – horrible term, not mine – is defined as [impact on] intelligence and social functioning which appears to be permanent. To qualify it must be medically certified, you need a doctor to sign this.
“It is common with severe dementia, strokes, severe Parkinson’s, brain injuries or other conditions. Those are the type of condition that will get an SMI.” Martin continued: “To claim it, that person must also be on a qualifying benefit. In Scotland, they must be eligible for a qualifying benefit even if they’re not actually claiming.
“That includes Attendance Allowance – in itself, massively underclaimed – if you need help during the day or the night you need that one too. Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Severe Disablement Allowance and in some cases Universal Credit.
“So, really big, and if you know someone in that situation who can’t claim for themselves. A common one is someone with an SMI is living with their partner, so the 25 per cent discount is the most probable one there.”
If you or a housemate are dealing with severe mental impairment, you could be eligible for a Council Tax discount, reports Birmingham Live. To qualify, you’ll need certification from a medical professional like your GP, or evidence of certain benefit entitlements – it’s best to verify with your local council.
