MILLIONS of Brits will soon get a £150 council tax rebate to help ease the impact of rising bills.
The government announced the support earlier this month at the same time it was revealed the energy price cap will rise pushing up gas and electric bills this April.
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The £150 council tax rebate will land at the same time with local councils dishing out the money to homes that qualify.
Those paying council tax bills by direct debit can get the payments directly into their accounts first.
The cash comes as a host of other bills rise too, including broadband prices and National Insurance.
It’s estimated that four in every five households will get the £150 cash but who exactly is getting the payment – and who is missing out?
Here we explain who is eligible and other help you can get if you don’t qualify.
Who WILL get the £150 council tax rebate?
Those in council tax bands A to D will get the cash – around 80% of homes.
You can find out which band you’re in by using the government’s search tool – you just need to enter your postcode.
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You’ll get the cash if you’re in England and in the A-D bands for council tax.
Council tax is devolved to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but there are similar schemes in place.
You should get the support if you already get council tax support through your local authority that reduces your bill, even if it reduces your bill to zero.
Council tax support is available for those on low incomes and claiming benefits, including pension credit.
Retirees on pension credit will get the rebate on top of their usual discount too.
Those who qualify for the £150 rebate will get the payment automatically – you won’t have to apply.
Payments will start in April and you won’t have to give the money back.
The government says it expects the vast majority of people to get payments in April.
Councils will make the payments automatically where they hold bank details, or will contact households to arrange a payment method if they don’t.
Who WON’T get the £150 council tax rebate?
Anyone living in bands other than A-D won’t get the cash back.
That means if you live in band E-H you won’t be eligible for the council tax rebate.
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 – you can read more in our guide.
Those completely exempt from paying council tax already won’t get the money either, for example if you’re a student.
Other exemptions on properties include where the person living there has gone into care and it’s now unoccupied, or it’s a granny annexe that’s part of a main property.
If you don’t qualify for the £150 council tax rebate you could still be eligible for other help.
A separate £144million fund has also been launched which local councils can dish out to vulnerable and low income households.
The latest guidance says the support will be worth up to £150 and each council has been given a different amount.
The pot of cash each area gets depends on size and need, so for example Birmingham has £3.6 million, while the Isles of Scilly have £17,550.
More help you can get with your council tax
If you’re not already getting a council tax discount it’s worth checking if you’re eligible.
Single people are entitled to 25% off their bill, while an adult living with a student can get 50% off.
If you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you could eligible for a reduction on your council tax.
The requirements to get help will vary depending on where you live, so the best first step is to check with your local council.
You can apply for a reduction through the Government website.
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