HOUSEHOLDS could be waiting months for the £150 council tax rebate, as some won't be paid until September.
Around 80% of families are eligible for the free cash to help with the rising cost of living, but the payments could be delayed by another four months.
The refunds were supposed to be handed out "as soon as possible" from April 1, according to government guidance to local authorities.
But councils have until September 30 to process all of the payments, meaning struggling residents could be waiting months.
The government launched the scheme to help families deal with the rising cost of living, including soaring energy bills.
It is being paid out to people who live in properties in council tax bands A to D – but some will get paid sooner than others.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
How you can STILL get £150 cash without council tax rebate
All the areas set to get their council tax rebate paid within DAYS
Households who pay by direct debit are likely to receive their payments well before the September 30 deadline, and many have already got the cash.
That's because the council already has their bank account details.
Residents who pay by another method are more likely to have a long wait.
Some areas haven't yet published information on how to apply.
Most read in Money
OFF ON ONE 
Martin Lewis apologises for X-rated rant over energy price changes
Energy price cap to change every three months – and prices WILL rise in October
My energy bill has gone up from £120 to £4,600 a month
I’m a benefits expert – apply for these four help schemes NOW and get £1,000s
"Most councils have already started paying the rebate and we fully expect the rest to do so without further delay," a government spokesperson told The Sun.
The deadline has been set to give councils enough time to pay everyone who is eligible.
However some councils have delayed making the payments due to technical issues.
Harrow Council cancelled its start date, which was supposed to be May 13, saying: "Due to a technical error, we apologise for the delay in issuing payments to eligible taxpayers.
"We are now testing a software that will enable us to pay the £150 energy rebate as soon as possible."
Residents in St Helens also faced delays as the council pushed back the launch date several times due to tech upgrades.
How can I avoid delays?
If you don't pay by direct debit, you can avoid a long delay by applying for the rebate as soon as possible.
Find your local council by searching for your postcode on the gov.uk website.
You will be able to check the council's website to find out when applications open, and get your claim in straight away.
Many have already published information about how to apply, or will contact you directly if you're entitled to make a claim.
It's a good idea to check whether there is a deadline to apply and make sure you don't miss it.
Read More on The Sun
Tom Cruise slammed by viewers over Jubilee appearance
I’m furious after a British Gas worker LAUGHED when I told them my name
For example, Camden Council is telling residents they must apply by August 1 to get the money.
Make sure you have identification and your council tax account number to hand to make it easier to claim.
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun Online Money team?
Email us at [email protected]
Source: Read Full Article