Did you know some people in the UK don’t have to pay council tax at all? That’s right—under certain circumstances, you could be entitled to a 100% reduction on your council tax bill. Whether you’re a full-time student, have a low income, or live with someone with a severe mental impairment, you might qualify for a full exemption or a significant discount.
Let’s walk through the full list of who qualifies and what you need to do to apply.
Overview
Council tax is a charge set by your local authority to help fund services like rubbish collection, policing, street cleaning, and more. It’s typically paid by adults over 18 living in a home, and it’s calculated based on your property value and how many adults live there.
But not everyone is required to pay. The government has specific exemptions, discounts, and support schemes for certain groups. You might qualify for a partial or full (100%) reduction depending on your circumstances.
Students
If you’re a full-time student, you may not have to pay any council tax at all.
Who qualifies as a full-time student?
- Your course lasts at least 1 year.
- You study at least 21 hours a week.
- If you’re under 20 and studying up to A-levels, your course must last at least 3 months and involve 12 hours of study per week.
If every adult in your home is a full-time student, the household is completely exempt from council tax. However, if even one person isn’t a student, you may still get a discount, but not full exemption.
What to do:
You’ll need to apply through your local council and provide proof of your student status (like a letter from your university or college).
Severe Mental Impairment (SMI)
If someone in the household is considered severely mentally impaired, they could be exempt from paying council tax—or even reduce the bill for the whole household.
To qualify:
- You must get a certificate from a GP confirming the SMI.
- You must be eligible for certain benefits (e.g., ESA, Attendance Allowance, or PIP).
Full 100% exemption applies if:
- You live alone and are severely mentally impaired.
- You live with only full-time students or other SMI-qualified adults.
If you live with one other adult who is “disregarded,” you might still get a 50% discount.
Low Income
You may qualify for Council Tax Reduction (or Council Tax Support) if you’re on a low income or receive certain benefits.
You may qualify if you:
- Own or rent your home.
- Are working or unemployed.
- Have a low household income, including savings and pensions.
- Receive Universal Credit, Income Support, ESA, or similar.
Each council runs its own scheme, so your eligibility depends on where you live and your personal circumstances.
Factors considered:
- Your total income (including your partner’s).
- Number of children and other adults living with you.
- Your savings and benefits.
You could get up to 100% off your council tax—especially if your income is very low and you’re not living with other non-dependents.
Disregarded People
Some people are counted as “disregarded” for council tax purposes. That means they don’t count when calculating how much council tax a household must pay.
Here’s who may be “disregarded”:
| Disregarded Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full-time students | See qualifications above |
| People under 18 | Automatically disregarded |
| Apprentices | On government-approved schemes |
| Under 25s with Education Skills Funding | Receiving full government support |
| Student nurses | In full-time education at specific institutions |
| Foreign language assistants | Registered with the British Council |
| Live-in carers | Caring for someone who isn’t your partner/spouse/child |
| Diplomats | Exempt under international agreements |
If everyone in your household is disregarded, you may receive a 50% discount or even be exempt from paying council tax.
State Pensioners
There’s no automatic council tax exemption just for being retired. However, pensioners on low income can apply for Council Tax Reduction. Depending on income and savings, some pensioners do qualify for up to 100% relief.
How to Apply
To see if you qualify for a discount or exemption:
- Visit the official GOV.UK website or your local council’s website.
- Search for “Council Tax Reduction” or “Council Tax Support”.
- Use their eligibility checker or online calculator.
- Submit the required forms and documents (income proof, student letters, GP certification, etc.).
Make sure you reapply if your circumstances change—such as losing a job, finishing a course, or someone moving in or out of your home.
Recap
Here’s a quick overview of those who may get 100% council tax exemption:
| Group | Possible Discount |
|---|---|
| Full-time students (all) | 100% |
| Severely mentally impaired | 100% if alone or with disregarded adults |
| Low-income claimants | Up to 100% |
| Disregarded people (all) | 50–100% depending on household |
| Pensioners (low income) | Up to 100% |
It’s worth applying even if you’re not sure—you might get a partial discount that can still ease the pressure. Always keep your documents up to date and reach out to your local council if in doubt.
FAQs
Who can get 100% off council tax?
Full-time students, low-income households, and severely mentally impaired individuals may qualify.
Are students exempt from council tax?
Yes, if everyone in the home is a full-time student.
Can pensioners get full exemption?
Only if they have low income and qualify for Council Tax Reduction.
What does ‘disregarded’ mean?
It means you’re not counted when calculating council tax liability.
How do I apply for council tax support?
Apply through your local council’s website or GOV.UK portal.
