If you or someone in your home has a disability, you may be able to claim the Disabled Person's Allowance. This allowance entitles you to 25 per cent discount in your rates bill, provided that the house has been adapted to suit the needs of the person with the disabiliy.

• How to qualify?
  
• Applying for Disabled Person's Allowance
  
• I already receive Disabled Person's Allowance
  
• Home visit
  

How to qualify?

The Disabled Person's Allowance is not means tested. To qualify for this rate relief, your house must have been adapted to meet the needs of the person with the disability who lives in your home.

Only certain types of adaptations qualify for this relief. These following adaptations will be considered:

• a room added, other than kitchen, bathroom or toilet, and used by the person with a disability for treatment or therapy;
• an extra kitchen added for the person with a disability;
• an extra toilet for the person with a disability;
• added floor space to accommodate a wheelchair.

There must be a clear link between how the property has been adapted and the disability in question. If there is not, this rate discount will not be given.

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Applying for Disabled Person's Allowance

You can download the application form  ( Disabled Person's Allowance rate relief (application form) (107.43 kB) or contact the Land & Property Services for a copy of the form.

You will be asked to provide detailed information in addition to your form, in relation to:

• the disability which requires adaptations to be made;
• the adaptations that have been made;
• supporting medical evidence.
  

If more information is required, Land & Property Services may ask the person with the disability for permission to contact their GP or health professional.

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I already receive Disabled Person's Allowance

The amount of the allowance changed in April 2007 to guarantee a minimum discount of 25 per cent to all households meeting the qualifying criteria.

If you were receiving more than 25 per cent reduction in rates due to Disabled Person’s Allowance before April 2007, this will be retained and you will continue to receive your existing allowance.

If you were receiving less than 25 per cent reduction in rates due to Disabled Person’s Allowance before April 2007, you should reapply.

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Home visit

When you apply for Disabled Person's Allowance, Land & Property Services may need to visit your property to see how it has been adapted. If you would like an interpreter to be present during this visit, let Land & Property Services know when you fill in the application form.

Telephone 0845 300 6360 if you need more information about Disabled Person's Allowance.

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