Five million households still waiting for £150 council tax rebate – what you need to do NOW
FIVE million households are still waiting to receive a £150 council tax rebate and need to act now to claim the cash.
Local councils started dishing out the rebates back in April 1 as part of a package of help for families struggling with the cost of living crisis.
The payments were announced by former chancellor Rishi Sunak, along with other help including a £650 payment to those on certain benefits and £150 cash for those with disabilities.
Around 80% of households across the UK are eligible for the £150 council tax rebate.
It is being given to those in properties in council tax bands A to D - approximately 20 million households across the UK.
Those who pay their council tax bill by Direct Debit should have received their money automatically - but others need to apply for the cash.
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The Government said 15 million households had received the cash by the end of June - equivalent to around 80% of those who are eligible for the money.
But with around 20 million people eligible for the money, that means an estimated five million are still waiting for the cash.
In an update, the Department for Levelling Up said more than £2billion had so far been dished out to qualifying households.
More than 90% of those who pay their council tax by direct debit have received the cash.
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It said that all councils across the UK have started to make payments - but four local authorities do not yet have processes in place to get the cash to those who don't pay by Direct Debit.
What to do if you haven't got your council tax rebate yet
Councils have until the end of September to get the money to people in their area.
But anyone who has not yet received the money is being urged to act now to make sure they get it.
Levelling Up secretary Greg Clark said: "We want to make sure everyone who is entitled to this cash receives it, so I urge people to check their bank accounts and speak to their council if they are yet to receive their £150 council tax rebate."
How you get the money will vary depending on where you live, so the best first step is to find out what's happening in your area.
You should check your local council's website for details (if you're not sure which council you live under, ).
You could also look on social media to see if your local council has made any announcements there.
If you don't pay your council tax by Direct Debit, you'll most likely have to apply to get the rebate.
Local authorities have been told to make arrangements for those who can't access the internet.
Some households will need to share bank details with their local council through an online form to claim the cash.
Others are being sent vouchers, which can be redeemed at a Post Office branch.
Be sure to check the expiry date and claim the money before then.
Some areas have already closed applications - if you missed the deadline you'll still get the cash, but it will be credited to your council tax account so you'll see a reduction on your bill next year.
What other help is available
If you home is not in council tax bands A to D, you could still get help.
The Government has set up a £144million discretionary fund and is dishing out money to struggling households.
Again, you should check with you local council to see if you qualify for help.
We've previously rounded up all the cost of living payment dates you need to know.
Details of when millions of households will get a £400 energy bill discount have finally been revealed.
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But you should check if you qualify for other help too, such as the £650 payment for people on benefits, or £300 help for millions of pensioners.
If you're struggling with bills, see if you could qualify for an energy supplier hardship grant of up to £750.