What conditions qualify for the council tax SMI discount?

SMIquery

I am autistic and have found resources online suggesting that I qualify for the SMI discount.

One person at the council suggested it when I first moved in, but others at the council seem to insist it’s only for Alzheimer’s.

My doctor stamped my form but made alterations to it and I’ve come to realise it’s because he’s using the definition in the mental health act definition of the term and not the local government finance act.

The council rejected it because of the alterations but didn’t tell me how to appeal, so I’m intending on returning to my doctor but he’s currently off having surgery himself.

I receive the standard rate of PIP (which I am challenging for the enhanced rate) and LCWRA so I qualify in benefits terms.

Does anybody know anything more? Citizens advice haven’t picked up in 43 minutes so far.

HillStreetBlues

Getting LCWRA  have you applied for Council Tax Reduction?

SMIquery

HillStreetBlues said:

Getting LCWRA  have you applied for Council Tax Reduction?

I get some kind of council tax support but I don’t really know anything about it. I just spoke to the council when I moved in and they set it all up and told me about SMI.

HillStreetBlues

Do you live with anyone else?

fatbelly

I think you'll need to make a new application where the GP doesn't try to change the form

SMIquery

HillStreetBlues said:

Do you live with anyone else?

I live with my partner/carer but she is also chronically unwell (7/12 months in hospital, sporadic stays of 5-20 nights at a time)

SMIquery

fatbelly said:

I think you'll need to make a new application where the GP doesn't try to change the form

I do intend to it’s just that my gp is off having surgery and I don’t have a rapport with other doctor’s at the surgery so I don’t know how it would go.

poppy12345

Conditions such as Parkinsons, dementia and severe learning disabilies. I don't know if ASD is included https://www.mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org/en/welfare-benefits/can-i-claim-welfare-benefits-if-i-m-living-with-a-mental-illness/council-tax-exemptions-and-support-to-pay/

Spoonie_Turtle

poppy12345 said:

Conditions such as Parkinsons, dementia and severe learning disabilies. I don't know if ASD is included https://www.mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org/en/welfare-benefits/can-i-claim-welfare-benefits-if-i-m-living-with-a-mental-illness/council-tax-exemptions-and-support-to-pay/

That link demonstrates quite clearly that it's more about the effect of a condition than a specific diagnosis - some of the examples given would certainly apply to autistic people depending on their specific profile of abilities. 

[I'm actually surprised, from the examples given the bar for severe mental impairment sounds MUCH lower than I would have thought.]

SMIquery

poppy12345 said:

Conditions such as Parkinsons, dementia and severe learning disabilies. I don't know if ASD is included
[link redacted]

I saw that and I definitely hit quite a few of those criteria, including PIP scoring on engaging face to face.

marcia_

 We were awarded smi reduction due to hubbys autism. But the GP just stamped the form no alterations. Can you see a different GP at your practice?