MILLIONS of hard-up Brits can get their council tax bills reduced by £150 thanks to the council tax hardship fund.
Ministers today revealed that working age people who get council tax support will be able to get an extra helping hand with their bill because of the coronavirus crisis.
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The government expects the fund to support 2.3million vulnerable Brits by slashing their council tax bills.
So how do you know if you’re eligible and how do you apply? Below’s all you need to know.
What is the council tax hardship fund?
The hardship fund, which is worth £500million, was announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in the Budget earlier this month.
It will provide council tax relief to vulnerable people and households to help those affected most by coronavirus.
Councils will also be able to use the funding to provide extra support to vulnerable people through other support arrangements such as Local Welfare Schemes.
Am I eligible?
The hardship fund is available to Brits of working age who receive council tax support, also known as a council tax reduction.
This a benefit to help people who are on a low income or claiming certain benefits to pay their council tax bill.
Each local council is responsible for operating their own council tax support scheme so the amounts of support given across the country may vary.
The amount of council tax support you will get depends on many factors, including:
- Which benefits you receive
- Your age
- Your income
- Your savings
- Who you live with
- How much council tax you pay
- You may get more Council Tax Support if you receive a disability or carers benefit
If you receive the Guarantee Credit Part of Pension Credit you may even get your council tax paid in full.
If you don’t get Guarantee Credit but you have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings, you may still get some help.
Pensioners still need to pay council tax, but may get a discount if they live alone, or depending on their situation be entitled to council tax support.
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How do I apply?
If you’re eligible for the hardship fund for the 2020/2021 tax year, you should get a new council tax bill in the coming weeks.
Or if you have a bill of less than £150, you likely won’t pay council tax at all.
Should you not receive a revised bill, it’s worth contacting your council to ask whether you’re eligible.
Or if you’re not yet receiving council tax support, you’ll need to apply for this too.
To apply, simply go to the GOV.UK website, put in your postcode and follow the instructions.
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