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THOUSANDS of households in England not eligible for the £150 council tax rebate can apply for discretionary funding.

The government unveiled a £144million fund to support families back in March – but councils have been slow to open their schemes.

The extra help is in place to help the thousands of struggling households in pricier and higher rated council tax band properties ranging from E to H.

Another 66 councils have now published the eligibility criteria for receiving this funding.

As it's been been left up to local authorities to decide and publish their own eligibility criteria – the amount you could get will vary depending on where you live.

Who's paying the most?

The vast majority of those councils that've opened up their discretionary fund are paying residents in council tax bands E-H a single payment of £150.

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However, some are being more generous and making payments worth up to £250 for those most in need:

• Solihull Council is paying up to £250. Those in council tax bands E-H that are eligible for Discretionary Housing Payments will get the full amount worth £250. And those claiming council tax reduction in bands E-H will be eligible for a single £150 cash payment. You'll be invited to apply online.

• Warwick District Council is paying up to £200. Those in council tax bands E-H who claim full council tax reduction will receive £200 and those not claiming full council tax reduction will be entitled to £150. You won't need to apply.

• Bolsover Council is paying eligible residents £175. Those in council tax bands E-H that are in receipt of council tax support and at pension age are entitled to the full £175. A payment of £80 will be made to those in band E that are not in receipt of council tax support. You won't need to apply.

Who's eligible?

Each local authority has the power to set the eligibility criteria for the payment to best support those in your local area.

In most cases the fund has been used to pay those who live in council tax bands E-H – who weren't eligible for the £150 council tax rebate scheme.

Claiming council tax reduction seems to be the leading reason to be eligible for the scheme.

However, those who live in council tax bands A-D may also be eligible for a discretionary "top-up" which is paid on top of the £150 council tax rebate.

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How will I get paid?

Those who already pay their council tax by direct debit should receive the payment automatically but those who don't will be contacted by their council.

The council will, in most cases, send you a letter with a link to a secure online form where you'll be able to share your bank details so you can receive the payment.

Again, if you pay your council tax by direct debit you'll get the payment quicker than if you don't.

Still struggling?

If you're still struggling to make ends meet, it's always worth checking to see if you'll be eligible council tax reduction.

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