Thousands of households eligible for £144m of help with bills from their local council – how much can you get?
THOUSANDS of households who aren't eligible for the £150 council tax cost of living rebates could access support from a £144 million discretionary fund.
The government has outlined how much of this money will be available for councils to distribute - how much could be available from your local authority?
Most households living in council tax bands A to D will receive support from their local authority in April to help with the rising cost of living.
These households, representing 80% of homes in England, will get a council tax rebate worth £150 off their bills.
This is on top of the £200 energy bill payments being given to all domestic customers from October 2022.
However, anyone living in pricier properties in council tax bands E to H will not be eligible for the local authority support.
Additionally, people exempt from council tax such as students or someone on the guarantee element of Pension Credit won't be eligible for the rebate.
Instead, the government has said that vulnerable people or those on low incomes could be eligible for a £144 million discretionary fund to be distributed by local councils.
The government has outlined this week how this pot will be distributed to more than 300 councils in England.
Support from the discretionary fund should consist of no more than £150 per household, according to the guidance.
See the full list of people exempt from the £150 rebate.
What other help is available?
If you're not eligible for the rebate or the discretionary fund, you should check whether you qualify for any other help or discounts.
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 .
Households can also challenge their council tax band if you think you are in the wrong one.
You can find out your council tax band by checking with your local authority or on the postcode checker.
Also check the band your neighbours are in and if they are in a lower band, you could successfully make a challenge and get yours lowered.
Contact the (VOA) in England and Wales or the (SAA) in Scotland to do this.
Make sure you've got the evidence to hand showing you're paying more - this could be having addresses of similar properties to yours in a lower band, for example.
If the VOA agrees that your property is in the wrong band, it will contact you to let you know your band will be changed.
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This can take up to two months for the VOA to review your case.
However, while you could get moved to a lower band and pay less, there's also the chance the VOA could find you're not paying enough. This could mean you're moved to a higher band.
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