If you care for someone with dementia, a severe learning disability or a similar long-term condition, your household may be owed a Council Tax reduction — and often a backdated refund for what's already been overpaid. This quick check tells you whether it's worth claiming.
A backdated refund is a lump sum. If you're on a means-tested benefit (like Universal Credit or Pension Credit), a large refund could affect it. We'll flag this for you at the end — it's important, and it's why we check before you claim.
Does someone in your household have a long-term condition that seriously affects their mental capacity?
For example: dementia or Alzheimer's, a severe learning disability, a severe stroke, or Parkinson's. (The official term is “severe mental impairment” — a clumsy phrase, we know.)
Has a doctor diagnosed it as severe and likely permanent?
A GP needs to sign a short certificate to confirm this. You don't need it yet — we just want to know where you stand.
Does that person receive, or are they entitled to, any of these benefits?
Tick any that apply — you need at least one of these to qualify.
Who else lives in the home, besides the person with the condition?
This decides how big the reduction is.
Has the home been adapted for the disabled person?
For example: an extra bathroom or kitchen they need, a room used mainly for their needs or equipment, or space to use a wheelchair indoors. This can lower your band as well.
Is anyone in the household claiming any of these?
Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, income-related ESA, Income Support, or Council Tax Support/Reduction. This is the important one.
On Principle is free, always. If it helped and you can spare a little, you can chip in to keep it going — but never if money's tight.