Do I need to put my unpaid live in carer on the council tax? 24 August 2021 at 3:36PM in Reclaiming mortgage fees, council tax, etc 5 replies 261 views

Bunny1995

I have posted here and in the disability money forum also, hopefully you all won't mind! :-) hopefully someone can shed some light on to the situation.

A little back story:I suffer from a chronic illness that causes me to faint and requires me to use mobility aids from time to time.
My best friend comes over everyday to check on me and do some carer type duties.

As my fainting episodes have gotten worse and my need for help has become more so, I have offered for them to stay rent free in my household and they would be essentially my unpaid live-in caregiver.

A Google search states that if the person who is liable for paying council tax is in receipt of a Disability benefit and the live in unpaid carer can provide care for at least 35 hours a week,is not a spouse/partner or parent they are considered a carer and they are immediately disregarded to be put on council tax as carers are not liable to pay council tax.

My best friend has been coming daily to my house everyday for over 3 years to be well? Just a good friend and a good person which I'm very grateful to have and as my illness is getting progressively worse I thought it would make sense for them to move in as my unpaid live in carer.

Do I need to call my council up and ask them or do I just continue being on single persons 25% discount? As carers are not liable anyways? I am a little bit confused as council tax is for the property and not the people who live there and this person is not a lodger,not a tenant,not a joint owner and not a spouse/partner neither are we cohabiting they will be my unpaid live in carer.


Thank you in advance for your replies!

MalMonroe

Hi, it's always a good idea to contact your council and ask them because they usually say that you have to report EVERY change in your circumstances. Even if they then advise you that nothing will change, it's always best to let them know so that they have a record of the fact that you have done so. 

In fact, you could do it online. Most councils now have the facility where you register for your tax account details online and report changes of circumstances there, without you having to phone.

But if you are needing more care now as your illness has worsened, will you be entitled to apply for Attendance Allowance? And then if you get that, your friend could apply for Carers Allowance?

I'm not a benefits expert and don't know if it would affect any benefits you're in receipt of at the moment but it may mean that you and your friend could claim more so she can help you and she can also be helped financially. 

Fortunately, there ARE more qualified benefits experts on here and I'm sure one will be along soon to advise but I think it's always worth asking. 

CIS

Bunny1995 said:

I have posted here and in the disability money forum also, hopefully you all won't mind! :-) hopefully someone can shed some light on to the situation.

A little back story:I suffer from a chronic illness that causes me to faint and requires me to use mobility aids from time to time.
My best friend comes over everyday to check on me and do some carer type duties.

As my fainting episodes have gotten worse and my need for help has become more so, I have offered for them to stay rent free in my household and they would be essentially my unpaid live-in caregiver.

A Google search states that if the person who is liable for paying council tax is in receipt of a Disability benefit and the live in unpaid carer can provide care for at least 35 hours a week,is not a spouse/partner or parent they are considered a carer and they are immediately disregarded to be put on council tax as carers are not liable to pay council tax.

My best friend has been coming daily to my house everyday for over 3 years to be well? Just a good friend and a good person which I'm very grateful to have and as my illness is getting progressively worse I thought it would make sense for them to move in as my unpaid live in carer.

Do I need to call my council up and ask them or do I just continue being on single persons 25% discount? As carers are not liable anyways? I am a little bit confused as council tax is for the property and not the people who live there and this person is not a lodger,not a tenant,not a joint owner and not a spouse/partner neither are we cohabiting they will be my unpaid live in carer.


Thank you in advance for your replies!

Yes. If the person has become resident in the property then the council need to know that they are there. Any disregards, and any discount, can then be sorted.

That the person "..is not a lodger,not a tenant,not a joint owner and not a spouse/partner neither are we cohabiting.." is irrelevant.

Bunny1995

@MalMonroe thanks so much for taking your time to reply! Very informative and I have done so as of today just explained via an online form about the situation about how I am considering having my carer move in and if they will be disregarded of council tax and what is the procedure to do so.
As my carer works remotely and is earning over the amount they will not be able to get carers allowance.
I haven't informed the disability company about my condition worsening as it has been covid and I was meant to have my re-assement again last year but it was extended. I'm too scared to tell there's a change I'm circumstances to my health if they don't believe me they may take away the whole lot I'm not a benefits expert either lol after I got sick I had no clue and still don't have a real idea what I'm actually entitled to just plodded along lol.
Many thanks to you again! Stay amazing and have a very lovely day!

Bunny1995

@CIS many thanks for your reply I have done so with the local council and awaiting their reply.
Many thanks and have a wonderful day!

thegreenone

As MalMonroe says, if you need care overnight you would be entitled to the top rate Attendance Allowance.  It is not means-tested and currently around £85 per week.  I don't know how old you are but contact either Age UK or CAB for help filling in the forms if necessary.  They will also be able to make sure you are claiming everything you need.