Thousands of households could get EXTRA cash on top of £150 council tax rebate – how to claim
THOUSANDS of people struggling with bills could get EXTRA help on top of a £150 council tax rebate.
Councils are giving the most hard-up households additional money to help cover rising energy bills.
Millions are getting £150 one-off payment if they live in council tax bands A-D.
But in some areas these households could get more free cash to cope with the cost of living crisis.
On top of the main council tax energy rebate scheme councils have been given £144million discretionary fund.
Councils are dishing out this cash in different ways, and some have confirmed that those who qualify for the main payment can get more money if they are still struggling.
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Those who are not eligible for the £150 will also be able to apply, like those living in council tax bands E-H.
In Camden the discretionary scheme is open to those living in bands A-D who "have received one payment but are still struggling".
Successful applicants will get £150 payment and those getting council tax discounts under existing schemes will be prioritised.
If you live in the area you'll need to apply, even if you got the first payment automatically.
You'll need to show you're in financial hardship as there is a limited pot of cash that's allocated according to the area's size and need.
Meanwhile Wyre Forest District Council is giving "top up" payments of £35 to households in all council tax bands.
You'll get the cash if you live in this area and get the maximum council tax discount available through existing schemes.
Bromley is giving out £40 top-up payments to those in bands A-D getting council tax support.
There are also some exemptions to those in A-D bands, for example if you don't live in the home.
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.
Councils are giving out the cash from April 1, but when you get it depends on where you live.
More than a dozen councils have said that payments will start from May.
You can check your and social media pages for the latest updates on when you will get the cash.
You can also check if you'll get extra payments on top of the £150.
Not all councils have announced details of how they will be giving out the cash from the discretionary fund.
And those which have may have different ways of getting the top-up, and give out different amounts. You might have to apply or it could be sent automatically.
The schemes which have been announced so far offering top ups are targeted to those already getting council tax support.
This means that they get a council tax bill discount, or pay nothing at all, usually if they are getting certain benefits.
You could check if you're eligible for this scheme as you could get the discount itself and reduce your bill, plus access the top-up payments.
An estimated 2.8million households are estimated to be missing out on council tax support worth a whopping £2.6billion.
You can apply for a council tax reduction if you're on a low income or claim other benefits.
Depending on your circumstances, you could get your bill reduced by up to 100%.
Exactly what discount you get depends on factors including:
What you get depends on:
- Where you live - each council runs its own scheme, with different rules
- Your circumstances - including number of children, benefits, residency status
- Your household income - including savings, pension and a partner’s income
- If your children or other adults live with you
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For instance, if you're the only adult in your household, you automatically get 25% off your bill, but many people get far more.
To apply, enter your postcode into , and then head to your local council to see what's available.
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