Almost three million people could be missing out on more than £900 each in council tax support - we explain how to check if you can claim.
You may be eligible for help through a Council Tax Support scheme (sometimes called a Council Tax Reduction) if you're on a low income or on certain benefits.
Each council has their own scheme, so the funding available can be a postcode lottery depending on where you live - but it's worth checking what support could be available to you.
Charity group Turn2Us estimates a staggering £2.6billion in council tax help is going unclaimed by some 2,770,000 people.
Broken down, this means each person could be missing out on support worth an average of £938 each.
As well as where you live, the amount of money you could be entitled depends on your individual circumstances and living arrangements - so it's likely this average figure will vary widely between people.
We explain how to check what help could be available to you.
Sara Willcocks, head of external affairs at Turn2us, said: "The coronavirus pandemic has pushed millions of us into financially precarious positions.
"We expect to see an increasing number of people needing help with their council tax bills over the next few months.
"It is so important for people to get all the support they are entitled to. We urge everyone to visit the Turn2us website to see what help is available.
"In addition to Council Tax support, you may also be able to get other forms of financial information and help."
Who is eligible for council tax support and how do I claim?
Whether you are entitled to help through a Council Tax Support scheme largely depends on the following:
- Where you live
- Your circumstances (eg income, number of children, benefits, residency status)
- Your household income - this includes savings, pensions and your partner’s income
- If your children live with you
- If other adults live with you
Based on your circumstances, and the help available, you could see your council tax bills reduced by as much as 100%.
You may also be able to get your council tax bill backdated, but this again depends on your local council.
You can apply for help if you own your home, rent, are unemployed or working.
To see what support could be available, contact your local authority for more information about its Council Tax Support scheme.
This only applies to households in England, Scotland and Wales. If you live in Northern Ireland, visit the NI Direct website for help with your bills.
What other council tax discounts are there?
You may be entitled to council tax discounts ranging anywhere between 25% and 100% depending on your living arrangements, income and personal circumstances.
For example, if you live on your own then you could get 25% off - and the same goes if there is one adult living with someone else who is "disregarded".
This could be one student and one adult living together, or a live-in carer who looks after someone with a disability.
There are lots of other examples too - check the Citizens Advice website for a full list of people who are “disregarded”.
You could get 50% off your council tax bill if everyone is your home is “disregarded” from this bill.
And the maximum 100% discount could apply to someone who has a severe mental impairment and lives alone, or if you live in an all-student household.
As the rules are complicated, and these are just some of the scenarios that could apply, check with your local council to see what reduction you could claim.
