THOUSANDS of households will receive their £150 council tax rebate today.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the support back in February as part of a package of support for households struggling with the rising cost of living.
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Anyone who lives in council tax bands A-D will be entitled to a one-off cash payment.
The payment comes directly from your local council, so exactly when you get it will vary based on where you live – but everyone gets the same amount.
It means not everyone will get paid today, but residents in Hull have lucked out earlier than most.
That’s as some households could have to wait until September for their payment, as a string of councils warned of delays.
Today though, 30,000 Hull residents will receive their £150 rebate as Hull City Council has begun processing payments.
The body has said that you’ll see the money enter the same bank account that you pay your direct debit from, if that’s the case.
The remaining payments to direct debit payers will continue through April and May too, after council tax direct debits have been taken.
Hull, like plenty other councils, will process those payments once the April bill amounts have been taken.
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So if you usually pay your bill later on in the month, you have a little longer to wait.
Anyone with a direct debit shouldn’t have to apply for the cash though – you get it automatically so it’s just a case of sitting tight and waiting.
But if you don’t pay your council tax by direct debit, you’ll have to apply online.
There’s not quite a specific deadline to apply by, but if you don’t provide bank account details to the council by the June 30 you could miss out on the cash payment.
You won’t miss out entirely though – instead the £150 will be taken off your 2022-2023 council tax bill.
What if I don’t live in Hull?
Councils started sending out payments from April 7, but the exact date you get yours depends on your local authority and if it has your bank details on record.
By the time the scheme has been fully rolled out four in five households across the UK will have been paid.
Council tax bands are based on a property’s value – more expensive properties are charged a higher rate.
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.
What other help can I get with my Council Tax bill?
If you’re not eligible for the one-off refund, you should check whether you qualify for any other help.
A separate £144million fund has also been launched which local councils can dish out to vulnerable and low income households.
Each council has been given a different amount, and the support will be worth up to £150 to individuals.
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.
Some households can get a separate discount on their council tax bill, while others don’t have to pay anything at all.
For example, students and some pension credit claimants are completely exempt from having to pay.
Meanwhile, 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 vary depending on where you live, so first step is to check with your local council.
You can apply for a reduction through the Government website.
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