Council Tax Discount When You Care for Someone with Dementia

What it is and how to apply in Wealden

If you support someone living with dementia or another condition that affects their thinking and understanding, you may be entitled to a Council Tax discount. Many people miss this support because the rules are not clearly explained or feel complicated. This guide sets out what the discount is, who it applies to, and how to start the process in Wealden.

What is the Severe Mental Impairment discount?

Council Tax law allows some people to be disregarded when a council works out how many adults live in a household. One of the reasons someone can be disregarded is if they are classed as severely mentally impaired.

A person is considered severely mentally impaired if they have a severe and permanent impairment of intelligence and social functioning, however it is caused. This can include:

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Parkinson’s disease

• Other forms of dementia

• A severe stroke

• Severe learning disabilities

If the person you support meets this definition, the council may not count them when calculating the Council Tax bill.

How does the discount work?

If you live with someone who is disregarded because of severe mental impairment, and you are the only other adult counted in the household, you may be entitled to a 25% discount on your Council Tax bill.

This is often the case when one person is caring for a partner, spouse or family member living with dementia.

The discount does not depend on income. It is based on household make up and the legal definition of severe mental impairment.

Do benefits matter?

Attendance Allowance or similar benefits are often linked to these applications, but they are not the legal test. The key factor is whether the person meets the definition of severe mental impairment and has this confirmed by a medical professional.

Having Attendance Allowance can help support the application, but it is not the only route.

How to apply in Wealden

Wealden District Council no longer uses a simple downloadable paper form.

Applications are now managed through the council’s online system or by contacting the Council Tax team directly.

To apply, you will usually need:

• Your Council Tax account details

• The name of the person living with severe mental impairment

• Confirmation of who lives in the household

• Medical confirmation from a GP or consultant that the person has a permanent severe mental impairment

  
  

The council will tell you exactly what evidence they need and how to submit it. In most cases, this is done through a My Wealden account or by contacting the council for support.

You can find the latest information here: https://www.wealden.gov.uk/council-tax/council-tax-discounts/

Or contact Wealden District Council directly on 01323 443322.

When does the discount start?

The discount usually starts from the date the council receives your application or from the date you first contact them to say you want to apply. In some cases, it may be backdated, but this is not guaranteed, so it is worth applying as soon as possible.

What if you are not sure you qualify?

Many people hesitate to apply because they are unsure whether dementia or another condition is “severe enough”. If the condition is permanent and affects understanding and daily functioning, it is worth asking.

You are not taking something away from anyone else. This discount exists to recognise the financial impact of caring and supporting someone with significant cognitive changes.

Other help may be available

You may also be entitled to Council Tax Reduction based on income and savings, or other financial support. These are separate schemes and can sometimes be claimed alongside the SMI discount.

If you are unsure where to start, or want help thinking it through, Good Company’s Concierge team can help you understand your options and point you in the right direction.

Final thoughts

Supporting someone with dementia can bring extra costs, pressure and responsibility. The Council Tax discount for severe mental impairment is one practical way the system recognises that reality.

If you think this might apply to your household, it is worth exploring. A short phone call or application could make a meaningful difference month to month.

If you would rather talk it through first, we are here to help.