This content applies to Scotland only.

Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. Get advice relating to England

If you have a disability and your home is specially designed or adapted to meet your needs, or you need to have an extra room, you may be able to get your council tax bills reduced.

Who can get a disability reduction?

To qualify for a reduction, there must be a person who is disabled living in your house as their only or main home. The person could be an adult or a child and their disability must be substantial and permanent.

There must be a special feature in your home which makes it possible or easier for the person to live there. For example:

• there may be a stairlift, ramped access, or a specially adapted bathroom
• there may be an extra room in your house that is used either for the person who is disabled to sleep in, or for them to keep or use equipment in, such as a Braille machine or a dialysis machine.

You must be able show that if your home did not have the special feature or extra room, it would be difficult for the disabled person to live there, or it could make their condition worse.

How can I apply?

If you think that you meet the criteria, you can apply to have your council tax reduced by sending a letter to your council tax department. You may be asked to provide a letter of support from a health professional such as a doctor or a nurse.

You can only apply for a year at a time and you have to re-apply every year.

If you meet all the criteria, your council tax bill will be reduced, as your property will be placed on a lower valuation banding than it is currently on. For example, if your home is in Band D, the bill you receive will be based on Band C. 

Where can I get help?

If you are unsure if you qualify for a disability reduction or you have applied and been refused, you should talk to an adviser. Advice is available from a Shelter advice centre or Citizens Advice, your local council or other local advice centre. Use the Advice Services Directory to find agencies in your area.