Council Tax Disability Reduction — How to Apply

The Council Tax Disability Reduction Scheme

The council tax disability reduction scheme is one of the most under-claimed council tax discounts in the UK. If a disabled person lives in your home and the property has been adapted for their needs, you could reduce your bill by a full band — saving hundreds of pounds per year.

Unlike many other council tax discounts, this reduction is not means-tested. It doesn't matter what your income or savings are — only whether the property meets the criteria.

Who Qualifies?

You qualify for the disability reduction if all of the following apply:

• A disabled person lives in the property (this can be an adult or a child)
• The property has at least one of the following features that are essential to the disabled person's wellbeing:

Qualifying Features

• An extra room that is predominantly used by the disabled person (not a bedroom) — e.g., a room for dialysis equipment, a therapy room, or a room needed because the disabled person cannot share a room
• A second bathroom or kitchen — required due to the disabled person's needs
• Sufficient floor space for the disabled person to use a wheelchair indoors

The disability does not need to be of any particular type. It covers physical disabilities, mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and any condition that means the person needs the adapted space.

How the Reduction Works

The disability reduction moves your bill down by one council tax band:

• Band H → pays Band G rates
• Band G → pays Band F rates
• Band F → pays Band E rates
• Band D → pays Band C rates
• Band C → pays Band B rates
• Band B → pays Band A rates
• Band A → receives a reduction of 1/6 of the Band D rate (~£355/year)

Based on national averages, this saves approximately £200-£500 per year depending on your band and area.

How to Apply

Step 1: Contact Your Local Council

Application forms are available from your local council — usually online or by phone. Some councils call it "disabled band reduction" or "disability relief".

Step 2: Provide Evidence

You'll typically need:

• Details of the disabled person and their condition
• A description of the adapted feature(s) in the property
• Medical evidence may be required (e.g., letter from GP or occupational therapist)

Step 3: Council Inspection

Some councils may arrange an inspection to verify the adapted features. This is usually straightforward.

Step 4: Backdating

The reduction can be backdated to when the qualifying conditions were first met. If you've been eligible for years without claiming, ask for it to be backdated — you could receive a significant refund.

Combining with Other Discounts

The disability reduction can be combined with:

• Single person discount (25%) — disability reduction applied first, then 25% off the reduced amount
• Council tax reduction scheme — means-tested reduction on top of the disability reduction
• Severe mental impairment exemption — if applicable, this may provide an even greater reduction

For example, if you're in Band D, the disability reduction moves you to Band C rates. The single person discount then takes 25% off that. Your bill could drop from £2,128 to around £1,418 — a saving of over £700/year.

Don't Forget to Check Your Band

If you qualify for the disability reduction, also check whether your property is in the correct band. A band reduction through appeal, combined with the disability reduction, doubles your saving. Use our free checker to compare your band with neighbours.