If you are an unpaid carer, you might be wondering whether you can get free car tax or a reduction in your vehicle tax.
Unfortunately, receiving Carer's Allowance or being an unpaid carer does not automatically entitle you to free car tax or a discount.
However, if the person you care for receives certain disability benefits, you may be able to claim a vehicle tax exemption or reduction if you drive them or use a vehicle to support their needs.
Who is eligible for free car tax?
You may be able to claim a 100% vehicle tax exemption if the person you care for receives one of the following benefits:
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
- Higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
- Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment.
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
- War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement.
- Armed Forces Independence Payment.
A 50% reduction in vehicle tax is available if the person you care for receives:
- Standard rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
- Standard rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
What about Attendance Allowance or a Blue Badge?
Receiving Attendance Allowance does not qualify someone for vehicle tax exemption or reduction because it does not include a mobility component.
Having a Blue Badge also does not automatically mean someone is eligible for vehicle tax relief. These are separate schemes with different eligibility rules.
Can I apply on behalf of the person I care for?
Yes. The vehicle can be registered in the disabled person's name or the name of someone they nominate to drive for them.
However, there are restrictions on how the vehicle can be used. It must be used for the disabled person's personal needs, such as:
- Taking them to medical appointments.
- Shopping or collecting prescriptions for them.
- Visiting family and friends with them.
If the vehicle is registered in the nominated driver's name, it cannot be used for their own personal journeys, such as commuting to work or separate family trips.
The exemption or reduction can only be applied to one vehicle at a time.
How do I apply?
The application process depends on whether you are claiming a full exemption or a 50% reduction.
100% exemption: Apply at a Post Office that deals with car tax if you are claiming for the first time or changing vehicles.
50% reduction: Apply by post directly to the DVLA
For full details about eligibility and how to apply visit https://www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled/vehicles-and-transport
