How to apply for Council Tax single person discount
If you're the only adult in your home, or everyone else is 'disregarded', you can get 25% off your Council Tax. You must apply to your council: it isn't automatic.
- Time
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Your Council Tax account number (on your bill)
- The date you started living alone
- Details of anyone else who lives with you, if they may be disregarded
Safety first
- You can be fined and made to repay the discount if you claim wrongly or don't report a change.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Check you qualify
You can get 25% off if you're the only adult (18 or over) living in the property, or if everyone else living with you is disregarded.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Check who is disregarded
People who don't count include: under-18s; full-time students at college or university; 18 and 19 year olds in full-time education; student nurses; some apprentices and young people on certain training; people who are severely mentally impaired; some live-in carers (not a partner or parent of a child under 18); and a few others such as diplomats. See GOV.UK for the full list.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Apply to your council
Use GOV.UK's Apply for a Council Tax discount service to find your council's online form, or phone your council. Give the date your circumstances changed so they can apply the discount from then.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Send any proof asked for
For disregarded people, such as students, the council may ask for evidence like a student certificate.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Check your new bill
The council will send a revised bill. If it's wrong, contact them.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Tell the council if things change
If another adult moves in, you must tell the council. Councils run checks and can backdate charges.
Tips
- Also check if you can get Council Tax Reduction (help if you're on a low income) or other discounts, such as for disabled people.
- If you've only just found out about this, ask your council whether they'll backdate the discount.
When to call a professional
Citizens Advice can help if you're struggling to pay Council Tax or disagree with the council's decision.
Council Tax is for England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has domestic rates, which work differently.
Questions people ask
My partner works away a lot. Can I claim?
Usually not, if your home is still their main home. Check with your council.
Does a baby or teenager count?
No, under-18s are not counted.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
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Printed from howtoguides.uk/guides/how-to-apply-for-council-tax-single-person-discount/ · Checked 9 October 2026 · General information only. For gas, electrics, structural work, medical, legal or money decisions, use a qualified professional.