Can I get a Council Tax reduction for a disabled child?
If your home has been adapted or has extra space because of a disabled child, you may qualify for the Disabled Band Reduction, which charges Council Tax as if the home were in a lower band. The scheme applies to a disabled resident of any age. You apply to the council with details of the feature.
See everything you may qualify for — benefits, grants, reductions and reliefs — in about 3 minutes. Free to check.
Check what you're owed →The Disabled Band Reduction scheme is not just for disabled adults; a disabled child counts as a qualifying resident in the same way. If the family needs a larger or adapted home so the child can live there safely and comfortably, the scheme prevents that need pushing up the Council Tax band.
Qualifying features typically include a room used mainly to meet the child needs, an extra bathroom or kitchen for them, or enough indoor space for the child to use a wheelchair. The feature must be genuinely required because of the disability, not just a general benefit to the household.
The reduction is not means-tested, so your income does not affect it, and it can apply even if the home is already in the lowest band. It is sensible to apply and, at the same time, to check whether you qualify for disability benefits, Council Tax Reduction or other support for the family.
How to claim the reduction for a disabled child
- Identify the feature. Note the adapted room, extra facility or wheelchair space the disabled child relies on.
- Gather evidence. Prepare details of the child disability and how the feature is used.
- Apply to the council. Complete the Disabled Band Reduction form and submit it with your evidence.
- Check wider support. Look at disability benefits and Council Tax Reduction for the family at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the Disabled Band Reduction apply to children?
- Yes. A disabled child is a qualifying resident in the same way as a disabled adult, provided the home has a required feature for them.
- What features qualify for a child?
- Typically a room used mainly for the child needs, an additional bathroom or kitchen, or space to use a wheelchair indoors.
- Is it means-tested?
- No. The reduction depends on the property and the disabled child needs, not on the household income or savings.
- Can I claim other help too?
- Yes. It is worth checking disability benefits and Council Tax Reduction as well, as these are separate forms of support.
MoneyFinder is an independent sign-posting service that helps you find financial support you may be entitled to. We are not a government body and do not provide financial advice. Figures are taken from the official sources cited above and were correct when last checked — always confirm current details on the linked GOV.UK pages.