MILLIONS of households will get a council tax rebate from TOMORROW to help with the rising cost of living.
Around 80% of households will get the £150 payment from tomorrow – Friday, April 1.
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The Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the support last month as part of a package to support households struggling with the rising cost of living.
But it comes at the same time as some households are facing a council tax bill increase of up to 5% – piling the pressure on already stretched budgets.
Councils will start sending out payments from Friday, but the exact date you get it will depend on when you local authority and if it has your bank details on record.
Who is eligible for the £150 council tax rebate?
Households in England in council tax bands A to D will receive a £150 repayment from April.
That amounts to around 80% of households, the government said.
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 – you can read more in our guide.
When will I get the tax rebate?
Most people who pay their council tax by Direct Debit will have the amount paid straight into their bank accounts.
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Those people will receive the cash from April 1 onwards and don’t have to apply.
The exact date can vary as it depends when it processes the payments and how long it takes.
Households who don’t pay by Direct Debit will be contacted by the council to apply and you can do this from April.
You should contact your local council to find out how to submit your claim.
Unlike the £200 energy bills payment, also announced last month, the £150 council tax rebate will not have to be repaid.
What other help is available with council tax bills?
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.
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.
Some households can get a 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 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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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
