Carers and people being cared for
Carers
If you are a care worker or a home carer, you may be able to pay less Council Tax.
Apply for a Council Tax discount for care providers »
Who is a home carer?
A home carer is someone who
- cares for someone who is receiving
- higher or lower rate of Attendance Allowance
- higher or middle rate of care component of Disability Living Allowance
- the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment
- an increase in the rate of Disablement Pension; or
- an increase in Constant Attendance Allowance
- lives with the person they care for
- provides care for an average of at least 35 hours a week
- is not caring for their husband, wife, or partner; and
- is not a parent caring for a child under 18.
You must provide proof with your application that the person cared for is receiving one of the benefits shown above.
Who is a care worker?
A care worker is someone who
- provides care or support on behalf of a 'relevant body' or was introduced to and is employed by the person they care for by a 'relevant body' (a relevant body is a local authority, central government or a charity)
- is employed to provide this care for at least 24 hours a week
- is paid £44 or less per week; and
- lives in the property provided by their employer or the relevant body to carry out their duties.
If you've left your home to look after someone
If you have a property of your own, and you leave it unoccupied when you move to look after someone, it may be exempt from Council Tax. This means you don't have to pay Council Tax for your property.
It doesn't matter if you leave furniture in the property, but you must have moved out and made your permanent home with the person you are caring for.
If you've left your home to receive care
If you have a property of your own, and you leave it unoccupied when you move to receive care, it may be exempt from Council Tax. This means you don't have to pay Council Tax for your property.
It doesn't matter if you leave furniture in the property, but you must have moved out and made your permanent home in the place you are receiving care.
If you don't qualify for an exemption
If your income is low, you may be able to apply for Council Tax Support.