Martin Lewis has urged people to check if they may be eligible for a council tax discount that could axe future bills, as many seem to be missing out.
In research conducted in 2016, the finance guru found that a "worrying number of the country's most vulnerable were missing out." Martin also found that it was more of a "postcode lottery" than anything else, with people 77 times more likely to get it with some councils than others - and 'mystery shopping' that showed 68 per cent of frontline staff didn't or couldn't explain it properly.
On his popular website, Martin said: "We've campaigned hard to improve things ever since, with big plaudits to the Welsh Government, who in 2019 took up our recommendations, streamlined the process, printed brochures and ensured payments are always back-datable.
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"I'd love (and will keep working to try to ensure) the rest of the UK to catch up. Until it does, please help spread the word."
The severe mental impairment (SMI) council tax discount is eligible to certain people who meet the criteria. You need to meet both of the following rules:
You need to be medically certified as being 'severely mentally impaired'. Martin said: " It's a horrid name, which is why I prefer to call it SMI, but it's defined as 'a severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning that appears to be permanent'. This can come from dementia, profound learning difficulties, brain injuries, severe strokes and more."
You're receiving one of a number of qualifying benefits. This can include (but isn't limited to) means-tested and non means-tested benefits such as attendance allowance, disability living allowance, personal independence payment, some parts of universal credit and severe disablement allowance.
The amount people can claim depends on their current living circumstances, which are explained here:
- If you live alone, or only with others who qualify for SMI; are full time students and are under 18 - you will pay no council tax.
- If you only live with other adults who have been 'disregarded' for council tax purposes (like carers or certain people in further education) - you will receive a 50 per cent off discount.
- If you live with another adult who isn't 'disregarded' - you will receive a 25 per cent discount off council tax.
There's no legal rule requiring local authorities to backdate, though many do. Speaking to your local council will iron out this question, as it is specific to where you live.
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