Council tax for carers

Who is disregarded as a carer

In England you're disregarded if all of these apply:

• you live in the same home as the person you care for
• you care for them for at least 35 hours a week on average
• they aren't your husband, wife or partner, or your child under 18
• they get a qualifying benefit: Attendance Allowance, the middle or highest rate of the Disability Living Allowance care component, the daily living part of Personal Independence Payment (standard or enhanced), Armed Forces Independence Payment, or certain constant attendance allowances

In February 2026 the government reminded councils that some websites still show an older list of benefits, so check what your council asks for against the rules above.

Care workers

People employed to provide care through a charity, council or similar body can also be disregarded if they work at least 24 hours a week for very low pay and live in accommodation provided for the job.

What it means for the bill

• A parent and adult son who cares for them, with nobody else in the home: the son isn't counted, so 25% off.
• If the person cared for is also disregarded, for example because of a severe mental impairment, and nobody else lives there, the discount is 50%.

Wales and Scotland

Wales has its own list from April 2026, with the same 35-hour test and similar benefits (for Attendance Allowance, the higher rate). Scotland disregards live-in carers too. Apply to your council in each case.

The government said in April 2026 that it will review the carers disregard in England before the next spending review, so the rules may change.