Can Mum get help with council tax?

Yes. Mum may be able to get help with council tax.

This guide explains the support she may qualify for and how to check it quickly and easily.

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See what Mum might get

Quick answers. The three most common

Low income or Pension Credit

Mum may qualify for Council Tax Reduction. This is the most common support for older adults.

Dementia or Severe Mental Impairment

A diagnosis may mean Mum can receive a major reduction or, in some cases, a full exemption.

Lives alone

Mum should usually receive the 25% Single Person Discount if she lives alone.

Which council tax discounts might Mum qualify for?

  • Mum lives alone
    She should usually receive the 25% Single Person Discount, even if carers visit.
  • Mum has dementia or a Severe Mental Impairment diagnosis
    She may qualify for a major reduction or, in some cases, a full exemption, depending on local rules.
  • Mum receives Pension Credit
    This often unlocks Council Tax Reduction, which can significantly lower the bill.
  • Mum’s income is low or based mainly on State Pension
    She may qualify for means-tested Council Tax Reduction, even if she has some savings.
  • Mum’s financial situation has changed recently
    Councils can reassess and sometimes backdate reductions if eligibility changed earlier.
  • Mum has a disability or adaptations at home
    She may qualify for a disability band reduction.
  • Someone cares for Mum for 35 hours a week
    Some councils offer carer-related discounts, depending on who lives in the property.
If two or more of these apply:

It is usually worth checking council tax support, even if Mum has never claimed anything before.

Do not worry if the wording looks different

Councils use different names for very similar discounts, such as Council Tax Support or Council Tax Reduction.

Check what Mum can get in under two minutes

1

Use the official Council Tax Reduction page and enter Mum’s postcode.

2

On the council site, look for “Council Tax Support” or “Council Tax Reduction”.

3

Check if Mum already receives a Single Person Discount, and request it if not.

4

Gather simple documents such as the latest council tax bill and any benefit letters.

5

Apply online, or call the council if you need help. They will talk you through it.

Go to the official Council Tax Reduction checker

Tip: if Mum has a diagnosis such as dementia, also ask the council about Severe Mental Impairment reductions or exemptions.

Real life scenarios

Scenario: Mum has dementia

Mum may qualify for a Severe Mental Impairment reduction or exemption. Some councils allow backdating if the diagnosis was made earlier.

Next: ask the council about Severe Mental Impairment and what evidence they need.

Scenario: Mum lives alone but carers visit

She should still receive the 25% Single Person Discount. Visiting carers are not counted as living with her.

Next: check her bill for the discount and request it if missing.

Scenario: Mum has low income but no Pension Credit yet

Mum may still qualify for Council Tax Reduction. Pension Credit is common, but it is not the only route to support.

Next: check Council Tax Reduction first, then consider a Pension Credit check.

Scenario: Mum receives Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance can strengthen the case for disability-related reductions and may unlock other support.

Next: tell the council she receives Attendance Allowance when applying.

More help Mum may be able to get

Warm Home Discount

A government scheme that can lower winter energy bills for eligible households.

Read the guide

Attendance Allowance

Financial help for older adults who need support or supervision.

View the steps

Fire service home safety visit

Many local fire services offer home safety visits to reduce household risks. Availability varies by area.

See how to check locally

Cheaper Travel for Mum

Help with getting Mum to appointments and essential journeys for less.

See travel support
A quick note about this guide

This guide is here to help families understand the types of council tax support that are commonly available and where to start. Council Tax Reduction schemes are run by local councils, and the rules, names and amounts can vary from area to area. Final decisions are always made by the local council or relevant authority.

If you are unsure, your local council, Citizens Advice or Age UK can confirm what applies in Mum’s situation.

Prefer to talk it through?

If you’d rather speak to a real person, our team is happy to help. We can answer questions, explain options clearly, and talk through what might work best for Mum.

Call us on 01273 055049
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