THOUSANDS of people who are not eligible for a council tax rebate could still get up to £150 free cash to help with the cost of living crisis.
Four in five households are now receiving council tax rebates automatically – the giveaway is part of a package of measures from the Government to help struggling households across the UK.
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You must be in council tax bands A-D to qualify for the payment, which was announced by the government in February to help with the cost of living crisis.
While households who pay their council tax by direct debit will get the money automatically, others will have to apply.
The deadline for this has now been extended until roughly September 30, 2022.
But the longer you leave it, the longer it will take for your money to come through.
But there’s welcome relief who households who don’t qualify for the rebate as many can still get a helping hand of up to £150.
A separate £144million fund has also been launched, which local councils can dish out to vulnerable and low income households in their area.
An estimated 4.7million households are in council tax bands E-H, so will not get the rebate automatically, but could still qualify for a discretionary payment.
Local authorities are giving out the cash in different ways and the amount you get and who qualifies can vary depending on where you live.
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For example, in the Isle of Wight, you can get £150 to help pay your energy bill.
If you’re living on the island and qualify, you’ll get the payment in two chunks.
The first should’ve landed in your account on 4 July, and the second will arrive by 2 September.
To be eligible, you’ll need to be in council tax bands E-H and be in receipt of Local Council Tax Support.
If you’re eligible for the rebate, you may be contacted via a letter, which will ask you to complete an application form.
Otherwise, you’ll need to apply yourself for the one-off payment through the council website.
You’ll need to upload evidence of your latest bank statement, your name and your address.
Can I still get extra help if I don’t live in Isle of Wight?
Yes. Different councils are also offering discretionary payments.
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.
Also, 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
Those in bands A-D who don’t pay council tax and don’t qualify for the main scheme but do pay energy bills, could also apply for the cash by emailing the council.
If you’re living in Greenwich, you could also get a payment of £65 or £150, if you’re living in a home that is in bands E-H for council tax and you’re getting council tax support.
Anyone eligible and who has a direct debit set up will get payments sent “as soon as possible” but those without will have to apply when the system opens.
If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, or what you’re being offered, get in contact with your local council now.
Not every council has released details of extra payments yet, but they have until the end of November to do so.
You can find out which band you’re in to see if you’re eligible for the automatic scheme, or need to apply to the fund by using the government’s search tool – you just need to enter your postcode.
You can also challenge the council if you think you’re in the wrong band to make sure you don’t miss out.
But don’t forget you could be put into a lower band if you challenge it, so make sure you know the risks before you do.
If you are on a low income or receiving benefits, you could eligible for a reduction on your Council Tax bill through a separate scheme.
