Discounts and exemptions for Severely Mentally Impaired (SMI) people

A person is regarded as severely mentally impaired, if he or she suffers from severe mental impairment of intelligence or social functioning which appears to be permanent.

The person must be certified by a doctor as severely mentally impaired and entitled to one of the following benefits:

  • Personal independence payment
  • Incapacity Benefit short term or long-term rate
  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Severe Disablement Allowance
  • An increase in Disablement Allowance where constant attendance is needed
  • Disability Living Allowance high or middle rate (care component)
  • Working Tax Credit (disability element)
  • An Unemployability supplement.
  • Constant Attendance Allowance/ Unemployability allowance payable under the industrial injuries or war pension schemes.
  • Income support including a disability premium because of incapacity for work
  • Universal Credit which includes an amount under regulation 27(1) of the Universal Credit Regulations 2013 in respect of the fact that the person in question has 'limited capability for work or limited capability for work and work-related activity' or would include such an amount but for regulation 27(4) or 29(4) of those Regulations

The property will be exempt if all the people living there meet the above criteria. If any occupants do not qualify, there may be a discount.

Supporting documents

You will need to provide:

  • an award letter showing you receive one of the eligible benefits
  • a doctor's certificate which must be signed and stamped by the person's doctor confirming that the condition is permanent. This is included with the application form below.

 

Apply for a discount or exemption for severely mentally impaired people

To apply for the discount you will need to:

  • Download and complete the application form
  • Scan the completed application form using either a scanner or taking a picture of it using your mobile phone.
  • Attach the form and supporting documents to the evidence form.