A Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) perk is being extended to households in England who are not currently receiving benefits. Typically, people assume that Council Tax Reduction (CTR) is only available to those in receipt of benefits, but this is not the case.
Who Can Benefit?
Individuals who do not receive disability benefits can also access this DWP perk, which also serves as a gateway benefit for other support such as Pension Credit. Under the council tax rules for England, households can take advantage of the Disabled Band Reduction Scheme.
The Labour Party government explains: "You may be eligible for the scheme if you live in a larger property than you would need if you or another occupant were not disabled."
How It Works
If you qualify, your bill will be reduced to the next lowest Council Tax band. For example, if your property is in Band D, you will pay the Band C rate. If your home is already in the lowest band (Band A), you will receive a 17% discount on your Council Tax bill instead.
To qualify, you must demonstrate that you have either an extra bathroom, kitchen, or other room needed for the disabled person, or extra space inside the property for wheelchair use. The property must be the main home of at least one disabled person, who can be an adult or a child. It does not have to be the person responsible for paying the Council Tax.
Example in Birmingham
In Birmingham, if your property has been adapted for you or someone you live with to support a disability, you may be eligible for a discount on your Council Tax. This discount would be equivalent to moving to a Council Tax band one level below your current band. For instance, if you are in Band C, with the discount you will move to Band B. If you are in Band A, the lowest band, your discount will be equal to one-ninth of the total Council Tax amount for Band D.
