THOUSANDS of households are in line for £150 of extra help with their council tax.
The helping hand is being dished out to those living in properties in Council Tax bands A to D.
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Around 80% of UK households qualified for a £150 council tax rebate to help with the soaring cost of living.
The money will be put automatically into the bank accounts of those who are struggling for income – and they won’t need to pay it back.
Councils across the UK have until September 30 to dish out the cash to eligible households.
But those in higher bands have missed out on the help – despite many people still struggling to cope with soaring bills.
If you’re not one of the 80% who qualifies for the £150 council tax rebate, there is other help on offer.
For those who live in homes between council tax bands E – H there is the discretionary fund.
It’s worth £144 million and again is offered through local authorities.
How the scheme works, including who is eligible and how to apply will depend on where you live.
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If you think you might be eligible, it’s worth contacting your local council for more details.
You can use the government’s locator tool if you’re not sure what authority you fall under.
The Treasury has previously said the fund will be available to support vulnerable people and those on lower incomes who don’t pay council tax as well as those living in homes banded E – H.
For example in Camden you can get between £50 and £150 if you’re not eligible for the main scheme but are struggling with energy bills.
This includes if you are in bands E-H for council tax and get a council tax discount through separate schemes, or if you live with several other people and can show you are responsible for energy bills.
You can apply now and see if you’re eligible if Camden is your local council.
Meanwhile Wyre Forest council residents in E-H bands and in receipt of council tax support will also get up to £150.
Some residents in all bands from A-H will get an extra £35 “top up” payment if they get the maximum reduction on their council tax bill.
Payments are being issued automatically in these circumstances
Can I get my council tax reduced or free?
Some households qualify for more help with their council tax, and may not have to pay anything at all:
Single people
There are other instances where you could be entitled to a reduction on your council tax bill.
For example, if you live on your own, you’re entitled to 25% off your council tax bill.
A full list of circumstances that exempt you from paying council tax can be found on Citizens Advice‘s website.
Retirees
Pensioners may also find themselves eligible for a council tax reduction.
If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you could even be in line for a 100% discount.
If not, you could still get help if you have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings.
And a pensioner who lives alone will be entitled to a 25% discount too.
Low Income households
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.
You could also get a deferral if you’re struggling to pay your bill, or you can speak to your council about setting up a payment plan to manage the cost.
But one thing to remember is if you are struggling you should contact your council as early as you can.
Council tax is a priority bill and if you fall behind you could be asked to pay the full year’s balance in one go.
And non-payment could result in bailiffs, court action or even imprisonment.
