THOUSANDS of households can now apply for Council Tax rebate – but make sure you don’t miss the deadline.
Up to £150 is up for grabs for households living in bands A-D. If you’re eligible, you don’t need to pay it back.
1
The Council Tax rebate is made by local councils who each decide who is eligible for payment.
The rebate will be come as a separate payment rather than part of your council tax bill. You can only get it if you don’t pay bills by direct debit.
Find out through your local council what the requirements are and when the deadline is – it may vary.
If you don’t know who your local council is, you can check here. You’ll just need to pop in your post code.
The deadline for most households to apply has been extended to September 30, 2022. But again, double check in your local area – it may be different.
For example, households in West Suffolk had until June 5 to apply.
You can check your local council’s website and social media pages for the latest updates on when you will get the cash.
And if you’re not sure whether you’re in the right band, you can check using the government tool.
Most read in Money
When will my £150 council tax rebate be paid?
Payments have already been made to many locals in places like Sunderland, Bracknell and East Hampshire.
But some have to wait longer as councils work through processing the payments.
When you get your £150 rebate depends on where you live.
Each council will have different systems, dates can vary, and the scheme is new.
If you have a direct debit set up to make council tax bill payments you’re likely to get yours earlier than if you pay manually.
If you’re eligible for the rebate but you don’t pay a bill and need to apply you should keep an eye out for a letter.
This could also be the case if you pay your bill manually and the council don’t have bank details on record for you.
Your council will be in touch telling you how to apply for the £150.
But beware of scams where criminals are asking for bank details via text, email or call claiming this is how you get the rebate.
Experts have warned about the red flags to look out for so you don’t lose cash.
If you’re not eligible for the one-off payment you should check whether you qualify for any other help.
There are also some exemptions to those in A-D bands, for example if you don’t live in the home.
You could challenge your council tax band if you think it’s wrong, so you don’t miss out on the cash.
But beware a revaluation of your band could put you in a lower band where you pay MORE council tax, so consider the risks.
If you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you could be eligible for a reduction on your Council Tax bill through a separate scheme.
A separate £144million fund has also been launched which local councils can dish out to vulnerable and low income households.
Some councils like Camden have opened applications for the cash worth up to £150.
And the most hard-up families struggling with bills could be eligible for EXTRA payments on top of £150.
