A carer is a person who is either a resident at the same address as the person they are providing care for, and

  • providing care to a person who is entitled to receive a qualifying state benefit, and
  • providing care for at least 35 hours a week on average, and
  • providing care to a person who is not their husband, wife, common law husband or wife, partner or civil partner

Or they are in premises, which have been provided for them to care for someone, and

  • employed by a public authority, a charitable organisation or the Crown, and
  • employed for more than 24 hours a week, and
  • earning no more than £44 a week.

A spouse or partner cannot be classed as a carer for council tax purposes.

Carers can be disregarded for council tax purposes if they fall into one of two groups. The first group of carers who are disregarded for council tax purposes must meet all the following criteria:

  • Care for at least 35 hours a week
  • Live in the same property as the person they care for
  • Not be the partner of the person they care for
  • Not be the parent of the person they care for, if the person cared for is aged under 18.

In addition, the person being cared for must be entitled to one of the following benefits:

  • Disability living allowance (highest rate of the care component),
  • Personal independence payment (either rate of the daily living component),
  • Attendance allowance (higher rate) or Constant attendance allowance.

The person being cared for may also fulfil all of the severe mental impairment criteria, but this is not essential for the carer to claim.

The second group of carers who are disregarded for council tax purposes must meet all the following criteria:

  • Provide care or support on behalf of a local authority, government department or charity
  • Provide care through an introduction by a charity, where the person being cared for is the carer's employer
  • Employed to care for the person for at least 24 hours a week
  • Paid no more than £44 per week
  • Resident where the care is given.

Someone who falls into either of these carer groups is disregarded for council tax and they will pay a reduced bill.

If you think you should be disregarded as a carer, simply fill in our online form:

Care Residents

If you're living in a nursing home, a residential care home, a hostel or you're in hospital receiving long-term treatment you may be able to get a discount. This doesn't include temporary stays.

If you think you may be entitled to a council tax discount, please contact the Council Tax office by phone: 01474 337700 or by emailing council.tax@gravesham.gov.uk