Apply for Council Tax: parent carer exemption

If you have been caring at home for a child with a disability or long-term health condition, your Council Tax status may change when they reach the age of 18. You may become eligible for a parent carer exemption from paying Council Tax, and a reduction in your bill.

Eligibility

To qualify for a parent carer Council Tax exemption, you and your child must be the only over-18s in the household. In most cases, this means you were receiving the single person discount on your Council Tax until your child's 18th birthday, and are now converting to a parent carer exemption. You must be providing full-time care (at least 35 hours per week) in your home, and your child must also be entitled to a disability benefit. Please select the relevant benefit below, to read the detailed eligibility requirements.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance, as defined under section 65 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992(2)

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

The highest or middle rate of the care component of a Disability Living Allowance, under section 72(4)(a)of that Act

Constant Attendance Allowance

An increase in a Constant Attendance Allowance under the proviso to article 14 of the Personal Injuries (Civilians) Scheme 1983(3), or under article 14(1)(b) of the Naval, Military and Air Forces etc. (Disablement and Death) Service Pensions Order 1983(4)

Disablement Pension

An increase in the rate of Disablement Pension under section 104 of that Act

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

The standard or enhanced rate of the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) under section 78(3) of the Welfare Reform Act 2012

Before you apply

To apply for a parent carer's exemption, you will need:

• to register for Council Tax in Bath and North East Somerset
• to have your Council Tax account number. This is a seven or nine digit number, and you can find it in the top left hand corner of your Council Tax bill. If you are unsure, please view this example bill.
• the date of your child's 18th birthday
• the number of hours of care you provide each week
• evidence that your child is eligible for one of the qualifying benefits

Next steps

• When we receive your application, we will verify your information and issue you with a new Council Tax bill. You should receive this within 28 days.
• We will support you through the process of application. If you have any queries or concerns, please call us on 01225 47 77 77 or email us at CouncilTax@bathnes.gov.uk.
• We will check every year that you are still entitled to the parent carer's exemption. You may receive a letter, asking you to confirm this.

Your responsibilities

• After you have applied for a parent carer exemption, you must still pay the amount on your current Council Tax bill, until we issue a new bill.
• If you disagree with the amount of Council Tax we ask you to pay after your exemption is applied, please call us on 01225 47 77 77 or email us at CouncilTax@bathnes.gov.uk.
• You must respond promptly to any letters we send you about your Council Tax exemption. We may cancel your exemption if you do not reply when we contact you.
• You must inform us immediately if your circumstances change (for example, another adult moves in).

Cancelling your parent carer exemption

If your circumstances change, you may no longer be eligible for a parent carer Council Tax exemption. You must tell us immediately about any change. If you do not inform us, this might increase your bill.

If your circumstances change in other ways, you may be eligible for a different Council Tax discount or exemption. Find out more about Council Tax and other benefits by following the links in the panel: More on Council Tax, Other benefits and Information for carers.