MARTIN Lewis has explained how a new council tax rebate will work.
The £150 payment was announced by the government in an effort to help struggling households cope with the rising cost of living.
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Millions of Brits are set to get the money off – around 80% of households.
Responding to viewer’s questions on his ITV show, Martin has explained more about the scheme.
“If you’re in council tax band A to D in England you should get this automatically on April 1.
The money saving expert also responded to a question about whether the rebate will be applied before or after any single person’s discount, which is currently 25%.
He said: “It doesn’t actually matter. You get a flat £150 whatever your bill is, so that’s an irrelevance, in a good way.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the £150 refund on council tax bills to help those struggling.
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If you are eligible, you’ll get it paid automatically, and the payments are being made by local councils this April.
You won’t have to pay the money back, like you do with a separate discount you’ll get on your energy bill in October.
Councils will make the payments automatically where they hold bank details, or will contact households to arrange a payment method if they don’t.
But there’s other help you could get too to reduce your bill on top of that.
As well as the discount for single people, you might get a cheaper bill if you are on certain benefits or a low income.
Nearly 3million people are missing out on existing council tax discounts, worth £900 on average, figures from charity Turn2Us estimate.
Who’s eligible for the £150 council tax rebate?
Those in council tax bands A to D will get the cash – around 80% of homes.
Those in bands E to H are are missing out, but there is also a separate £144million fund to be distributed by local authorities for those struggling.
You can find out which band you’re in by using the government’s search tool – you just need to enter your postcode.
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.
The Scottish government has also announced that it will mirror the scheme, giving those in band A-D a discount of £150.
Council tax is devolved to the regions and Martin said we don’t yet know about Wales and Northern Ireland.
If you get a council tax discount already, you will get the rebate, but not if you’re totally exempt from paying the bill.
Like in the example above, you might get a disocunt because you live alone.
But you might also get a cheaper bill for other reasons, for instance you are on a low income.
Anyone who gets a discount already from their local council will get the £150 payment, even the main discount reduces your council tax bill to below £150, and even to £0.
If you’re exempt from paying council tax, for example you’re a student, you won’t get the discount.
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’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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