SMI Council Tax Reduction?

MimiJane

Hi All, I have a slightly complex situation here and am after some advice.  My husband has been mentally impaired for years (Parkinson's Disease). Things have got so difficult for us over the last year or two, as he's got worse both mentally and physically, he went into a care home in November, which has meant a change of doctor,  In October, I took a Couincil Tax Reduction form to his (then) doctor’s surgery, asking for it to be completed and returned but, despite repeated phone calls have only spoken to a lady this a.m, apologising that NHS issues have to take priority and stating that the doctor can’t complete and sign it anyway as the last time she spoke to my husband was 2 years ago and she can’t verify his impairment.  The surgery are aware I was his carer – I signed a Carers Form and it was me that discussed all his medical issues with them. They’re now not prepared to do anything and are advising me to speak to his new doctor. My husband had a memory test in 2021, which showed mild cognitive impairment (confirmed by letter) and, more recently 2 months ago in hospital by a Social Worker, which showed no recent memory/financial awareness (again confirmed by documents); however, I have no Medical Certificate and he’s no longer at home. My questions are : Is it worth pursuing this now he’s in a care home (I know some Councils back-date)?  Do I actually need a Medical Certificate if I have other evidence?  Is it worth speaking to his new doctor who, at this point in time, does not know him and I don’t know what he has access to historically? Sorry this is so long-winded – any advice welcome!

Albermarle

I think you are referring to the Council Tax reduction for people with severe mental impairment.
In this case the key word is severe.

My husband had a memory test in 2021, which showed mild cognitive impairment (confirmed by letter) 

So not  severe.

Now it sounds like he is a lot worse, but trying to prove his impairment was severe retrospectively is going to be difficult, as you have found out.

SacredStephan

The new GP will have access to the same records as the old GP.

Edit:
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/severe-mental-impairment-dementia-council-tax-rebate/

lincroft1710

Your post implies that there was no contact between your husband and a GP from some time in 2022 until Oct/Nov 2024, So it seems there was no-one who could make an accurate diagnosis of when the mild impairment became severe.