Can I get a Council Tax discount for disability?

For people whose homes are larger due to a disabled person's needs, or those with severe mental impairment.

Applies to: England, Wales Last checked against official sources: 30 September 2026

You may get the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme if your home is bigger because of a disabled person's needs, like an extra room or wheelchair space. Your bill drops to the next band down; Band A homes get 17% off.

Severe mental impairment can give 100% off if living alone or with other exempt adults.
Living with someone severely mentally impaired can mean 25% off.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

Scotland: Check mygov.scot for Scotland
Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

Pay one band lower
Band A: 17% off
Apply via your council

How the band reduction works

Under the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme, you pay the Council Tax for the band below your own. If your home is already in Band A, the lowest band, you get 17% off the bill instead (this works out as one sixth).

Every band is set as a share of the Band D bill. That is why the saving is fixed for each band.

Bands and what you pay (England)

Your band	Share of Band D	You pay as	Share of Band D after reduction
A	6/9	Band A less one sixth	5/9
B	7/9	Band A	6/9
C	8/9	Band B	7/9
D	9/9	Band C	8/9
E	11/9	Band D	9/9
F	13/9	Band E	11/9
G	15/9	Band F	13/9
H	18/9	Band G	15/9

Your council sets the Band D amount each year for 2026/27, so check your bill for the real figures.

Worked examples

These use a Band D bill of £2,000 for the year, as an example only.

Example 1: Band D home. Ali uses a wheelchair and his home has extra space so he can move around. His home is Band D, so he would pay £2,000. With the reduction he pays the Band C amount: £2,000 x 8/9 = £1,777.78. He saves £222.22 a year.

Example 2: Band A home. Rose's flat is Band A, so her bill is £2,000 x 6/9 = £1,333.33. She has an extra bathroom she needs because of her disability. She gets one sixth off: £1,333.33 less £222.22 = £1,111.11.

Example 3: Band F home. A family home is Band F: £2,000 x 13/9 = £2,888.89. It has a ground floor bedroom needed for a disabled child. They pay the Band E amount: £2,000 x 11/9 = £2,444.44. They save about £444 a year.

What changes the amount

Your band and your council's Band D charge. The higher the band, the bigger the saving.
Other discounts on top. You can still get, for example, 25% off if you live alone, or Council Tax Reduction if you are on a low income.
Severe mental impairment. This is a separate discount, shown below.

Discounts for severe mental impairment

Situation	Discount
Person lives alone, or only with others who are severely mentally impaired or full-time students	100%
Person lives only with others who are disregarded (not counted)	50%
You live with someone severely mentally impaired and you are the only other adult, or everyone else is disregarded	25%

You need a certificate from a medical professional, such as a GP, and proof that the person is entitled to certain benefits (they do not have to be getting them). Your council will tell you which ones.

If you live in Scotland or Wales

Wales: if your home has been adapted for a disabled person, you get a reduction of one Council Tax band.
Scotland: you pay the rate for the band below the one your home is in. For example, Band D pays the Band C rate.

Related guides

Where these figures come from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Check if you qualify

Common questions

Who qualifies for the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme?

You may qualify if your home has an extra bathroom, kitchen or space for a wheelchair because of a disabled person's needs. At least one disabled person must live there as their main home.

How do I apply for a disabled Council Tax reduction?

Contact your local council to apply.

What proof do I need for the severe mental impairment discount?

You need a certificate from a medical professional, such as a GP, and proof that the person is entitled to certain benefits.

Does the disabled band reduction work the same way in Wales?

Yes, in Wales a home that qualifies can be reduced by one Council Tax band. Band A homes may get a further equivalent reduction.

Official sources

1.Council Tax: discounts for disabled peoplewww.gov.uk/council-tax/discounts-for-disabled-people
2.Council Tax discounts, disregards, exemptions and reductions (Wales)www.gov.wales/council-tax-discounts-disregards-exemptions-and-reductions

Checked against GOV.UK on 30 September 2026

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