MILLIONS of households still haven’t received the £150 council tax rebate.
Councils have only weeks left to pay three million households a rebate to help with the spiralling cost of energy.
Households only have until September 30 to receive the rebate in cash form
Since April, households living in council tax bands A-D have been entitled to a council tax rebate worth £150.
However, a Freedom of Information request submitted by the BBC has revealed that millions are still due the cash.
However, those missing out are unlikely to be people who pay their council tax bill by direct debit.
According to the government, 97% of households that pay by direct debit received the payment within three months of the rebate scheme launching.
Instead, the majority missing out are those who don’t pay by direct debit and will need to actively apply to get the cash.
Eligible households that haven’t received the cash have until September 30 to apply.
If households fail to apply by the deadline the £150 rebate will be paid as a credit and applied as a discount off your next council tax bills.
Households in bands E-H (and E-I in Wales) aren’t eligible for the standard £150 council tax rebate – but could get cash through local discretionary schemes.
What is the £150 Council Tax Rebate and who’s eligible?
Former Chancellor and wannabe Prime Minister Rishi Sunak introduced a cost of living support package in March which included a £150 council tax rebate.
Households in England, Scotland and Wales living in council tax bands A-D would be eligible for the payment.
That amounts to around 80% of households in England, the government said.
You can find out which band you’re in by using the government’s search tool – just enter your postcode.
If you’re not eligible for the one-off payment you should check whether you qualify for any other help.
When will I get the £150?
The vast majority of those that are eligible for the payment and who paid their council tax bill by direct debit on April 1 will have received the payment by now – 97% of people in this group in fact.
Those who don’t pay their council tax by direct debit have to apply to get the cash.
Each council will have different systems for you to apply and some have set their own application deadlines.
You can check your local council’s website and social media pages for the latest updates on when you will get the cash.
How do I apply for the cash if I don’t pay by direct debit?
If you don’t pay your council tax by direct debit, most councils will expect you to apply on their website for the cash.
Applications allow your local authority to transfer the cash directly into your bank account.
The forms provide a secure way for you to share your bank account details with your council.
However, some councils have already shut applications and you may receive the rebate differently.
You may also be sent the rebate in a cheque in the post or through a redeemable Post Office voucher.
If you didn’t apply in time or cash in your Post Office voucher before expiry, instead of being issued the £150 in cash, you’ll be credited the money to your council tax account and will see the amount come off your bill.
Is other bill help available?
If you don’t live in a property in council tax bands A-D but are in need of extra support to help with the rising cost of living – discretionary funding is available.
A separate £144million fund has also been launched which local councils can dish out to vulnerable and low income households. You may get up to £300 to help with your bills.
Some councils may issue their discretionary funding in the form of a Post Office voucher or you may have to apply for the cash online.
Check your local council’s website to see what’s on offer.
If you are also on a low income or receiving benefits, you could also be eligible for a reduction on your council tax bill.
