← All guides · Updated 2 November 2026
Council tax single person discount: how to get 25% off
A full council tax bill assumes at least two adults live in a home. If you're the only adult, you're entitled to 25% off. Councils don't always know your situation, so in most cases you have to ask. This guide covers who qualifies, who isn't counted, and how to claim.
Who gets the 25% discount?
According to GOV.UK, you get 25% off your bill if you pay council tax and either you live on your own, or everyone else in your home is "disregarded" (not counted) for council tax. An adult here means someone aged 18 or over. A single parent whose children are all under 18 would usually qualify.
If everyone in the home is disregarded, the discount is usually 50%. A home where everyone is a full-time student is usually exempt altogether.
Who is "disregarded"?
GOV.UK lists people who aren't counted when the council works out how many adults live in a property. They include:
- people under 18
- people on certain apprentice schemes
- 18 or 19 year olds in full-time education
- full-time students at college or university, and student nurses
- people who are severely mentally impaired
- live-in carers for someone who isn't their partner, spouse or child under 18
- some others, such as diplomats and people whose main home is a care home or hospital
So you might still get a discount if, for example, you live with your 20-year-old who is a full-time university student. Check the full list and conditions on your council's website, because each category has its own rules.
How to apply
- Find your council's online form. Search for your council's name plus "single person discount". GOV.UK can point you to your council.
- Have your account number ready. It's on your council tax bill.
- Give the date you became the only adult, for example the date a partner or lodger moved out.
- Keep a copy of what you sent and any reference number.
You need to apply even if you're disregarded: the discount is not added automatically.
Can it be backdated?
Citizens Advice says that if you're entitled to a discount because someone moved out, you're entitled to it from when they moved out, even if you told the council later. Councils may ask for evidence, so keep anything that shows the date. If the council refuses, ask it to explain its decision in writing.
Things to be careful about
- Tell the council if things change. If another adult moves in, you must tell the council. Claiming a discount you're not entitled to can lead to a backdated bill and, in serious cases, a penalty.
- Councils check. Many councils run reviews of single person discounts, so keep your details up to date.
- Other help exists. If you're on a low income or get benefits, you may also qualify for Council Tax Reduction. That is a separate scheme run by your council.
Is your band right too?
A discount is one way to pay less. The other is making sure your home is in the right band. See our guide on how to check and challenge your council tax band.
Check your own bill
Enter your band, your annual bill and how many adults live with you. Bill Fighter shows whether you might qualify for a discount, roughly what it's worth, and writes the letter to your council.
Free, no sign-up. Uploaded bills are read and deleted straight away.
Related guides
Sources
- GOV.UK: Council Tax – who has to pay
- GOV.UK: plain English guide to Council Tax
- Citizens Advice: check if you can pay less council tax
Last checked 02/11/2026. Rules change, so check the linked pages before you act. This is general information, not financial or legal advice.