Status discount

For more information, visit the Parkinson’s UK website (last updated July 2025).

The most common type of Status Discount is the 1-person discount of 25%, available when only 1 adult lives in the property.

Sometimes, other people living there might not be counted either and a 25% or 50% discount might be awarded.

Status Discount isn’t means-tested (in other words, it’s not affected by your income or savings).

Adults aren’t counted for Council Tax if they:

  • have a ‘severe mental impairment‘ (some people with Parkinson’s may fit this description – see below for more information)
  • are a carer for at least 35 hours a week for someone who lives with them, who is not their spouse, partner or child, and who receives a qualifying benefit (see below for a list)
  • are living in a shelter, hospital or care home
  • are in prison or detention
  • are a full-time student
  • are aged 18 or 19 and in full-time education
  • are under 25 and in approved training (such as student nurses, youth trainees and some apprentices)

Status Discount for severe mental impairment

Many conditions can lead to an impairment of cognitive or social functioning that can be described as a ‘severe mental impairment‘. Some people with Parkinson’s may fit this description. Ask your GP if you think this could be the case.

You’re eligible for a Status Discount if you have a certificate from a medical professional (such as your GP or consultant) which confirms that you have a permanent ‘severe mental impairment’. In addition, you must also receive 1 of the following benefits:

  • Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment (Scotland)
  • Either rate of the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)
  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Universal Credit with either of the limited capability elements
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment
  • Constant Attendance Allowance
  • Severe Disablement Allowance
  • Incapacity Benefit
  • Income Support with a disability premium
  • The high or middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance
  • You’re over State Pension age and you would get 1 of the above benefits, but because of your age you don’t qualify.

This isn’t a complete list. Please check with your council for an entire list of exempt people.

If you live alone and you’re ‘severely mentally impaired’, you don’t have to pay any Council Tax.

It’s possible for more than 1 person in a property to be exempt.

Status Discount for carers

You’ll receive a discount if you care for someone for 35 hours a week or more, the person you care for lives at your address, but isn’t your spouse, partner, child or parent, and the person you care for receives 1 of the following benefits:

  • Attendance Allowance (high rate) or Pension Age Disability Payment (Scotland)
  • High rate of the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment or the enhanced rate of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)
  • The high rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance or the Scottish Child Disability Payment
  • The highest rate of Constant Attendance Allowance
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment