Council tax

kane1994

Hi I've recently been declared unfit for work and work related activity by universal credit, I owe £560.00 council tax and really have no way of paying what they are demanding I've also getting my new council tax bill in and thats the same even though I'm telling them I do no work anymore.

Any advice on this matter would be much appreciated do I need to ask for income and expenses form? 

I have a DRO already so that's out the question.

Thanks 

poppy123456

HI,

Council tax reduction isn't part of UC and you need to apply for this from your local council? Have you applied for the reduction? All local councils have their own rules/criteria for this. I do believe that most people have to pay about 20% council tax, even with CTR, unless you're claiming for SMI. If you've already claimed for CTR then you'll need to speak to your local council to arrange a payment plan for the money you owe. Please don't ignore the letters, please ring them.

kane1994

Hi I won't ignore the letters and I already get a 5.00 a month reduction so I'll see what I can do once I've rang again their asking for £180 before they'll look at payment plan. I'm also waiting on a call form citizen advice

kane1994

What is SMI 

poppy123456

SMI is severely mentally impaired. https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2017/09/due-a-council-tax-discount-for-severe-mental-impairment-heres-how-to-claim/

kane1994

Hi I have cerebral palsy left hemiplegia I also suffer from depression and anxiety would this class as mentally impaired . Because I see on your link some people with strokes are mentally impaired

poppy123456

I have no idea but to claim it First, you'll need a doctor's diagnosis. A registered medical practitioner must have diagnosed a condition causing severe mental impairment. In some cases you'll need to attach a written diagnosis to your claim – in others you just give your doctor's details and they'll be contacted for confirmation.

kane1994

Okay great I'll speak with my doctor as I have mental health issues that prevent me from doing normal daily tasks 

poppy123456

Having mental health issues doesn't mean you qualify for SMI.

kane1994

Okay thanks 

Kimberleyh

poppy123456 said:

Having mental health issues doesn't mean you qualify for SMI.

What is SMI please? 

atlas47

Hi @kane1994

To get council tax relief, because of severe mental impairment, you need your GP to issue a certificate, to confirm same.

The GP has to certify that your condition is life long and is not treatable.

An example condition would be servere/moderate learning difficulties.

You get the blank certificate from your council, so phone them, they do not send them out ad lib.

If you get the certificate, you will be exempt from council tax, for life.

You also have to be in receipt of standard rate of PIP, daily living component.

Keep us informed.

Kimberleyh

atlas47 said:

Hi @kane1994

To get council tax relief, because of severe mental impairment, you need your GP to issue a certificate, to confirm same.

The GP has to certify that your condition is life long and is not treatable.

An example condition would be servere/moderate learning difficulties.

You get the blank certificate from your council, so phone them, they do not send them out ad lib.

If you get the certificate, you will be exempt from council tax, for life.

Keep us informed.

Kimberleyh

Really I didn't know that