How to Apply for a Carer Disregard on Council Tax

Where to Apply

The application goes to your local billing authority — the council that sends your council tax bill. This is your district, borough, metropolitan, or unitary council, not your county council.

There is no national form. Every council has its own version, and the application routes vary:

• Online portal — many councils have a web form under their council tax discounts and exemptions page
• Downloadable PDF — some councils offer a printable form you fill in and post back
• Phone request — you can ring the revenues department and ask them to send you a form or take your details over the phone

Search your council's website for "carer disregard" or "council tax carer discount." If you can't find it, call the revenues team directly — the number is on your council tax bill.

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather these:

Council tax account number — the reference on your bill or demand notice, usually 8-10 digits.

Carer's details — full name, date of birth, National Insurance number, and current address (which should be the same property).

Cared-for person's details — full name and the qualifying disability benefit they receive.

Benefit award letter — a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions or Social Security Scotland confirming the cared-for person's qualifying award: PIP daily living component, Attendance Allowance, DLA care component at middle or highest rate, AFIP, increased Constant Attendance Allowance, Adult Disability Payment daily living component, or Pension Age Disability Payment at the recognized standard or higher rate. The letter needs to show the benefit type, rate or component, and start date.

Signed care declaration — a statement confirming you provide at least 35 hours of care per week and that you are not the spouse, civil partner, or cohabiting partner of the person you care for, and are not a parent caring for your own child under 18. Most council forms include this as a built-in declaration you sign.

Proof of residence — if you're not already on the electoral register at the address, you may need a utility bill, bank statement, or tenancy agreement showing you live there.

What You Don't Need

No GP letter — a medical certificate is not required for the unpaid carer disregard. That's only needed for a severe mental impairment (SMI) disregard. If a council asks for a GP letter for your carer claim, they're applying the wrong test.

No Carer's Allowance — you don't need to be claiming or receiving Carer's Allowance. The two schemes are separate. See Council Tax Carer Disregard Without Carer's Allowance for more on this.

If the Person Lacks Mental Capacity

When the cared-for person cannot manage their own affairs — common with advanced dementia — someone else can handle the application on their behalf. The council will accept applications from:

• A registered attorney under a Lasting Power of Attorney (Property and Financial Affairs)
• A deputy appointed by the Court of Protection
• A DWP-appointed appointee

Bring or attach a copy of the relevant legal document when you submit.

After You Submit

Councils don't have a fixed national deadline to process disregard applications, but they must issue accurate demand notices without unreasonable delay. Expect a written response within 21-28 days in most cases.

If approved, the council issues a revised demand notice showing the new reduced charge. If you've been overpaying, the credit will usually be set against your remaining instalments. You can request a direct cash refund instead — that's your right under Regulation 24 of the Council Tax (Administration and Enforcement) Regulations 1992.

If rejected, you'll receive a written decision. Don't accept a phone rejection — you need the reasons in writing because they're the starting point for any challenge.

Applying on Behalf of Someone in Another Council Area

The carer disregard applies to a property where you and the cared-for person share your sole or main residence. If you live in one council's area and only provide care at a separate property in another area, you do not meet the shared-residence condition for this disregard. If you share your sole or main residence, apply to the billing authority responsible for that property.

The Council Tax Carer Disregard Guide includes a full application evidence checklist, a claim tracker to monitor your submission, and template correspondence for following up with councils that take too long.

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