THOUSANDS of households are set to get extra money off their council tax bills this month.

The discount comes through the Household Support Fund, which is worth £842million.

You'll usually need to be on a low income to receive the help, but you don't necessarily need to be claiming DWP benefits like Universal Credit to claim the cash.

What you can get depends on where you live and what eligibility requirements are set by your local authority.

For example, 8,000 residents in Plymouth can get a £25 discount council tax discount to help with the cost of living.

Payments will be made automatically over the next few weeks and customers will receive an amended council tax bill. They do not need to take any further action.

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Who's eligible for the support and how much can I get?

Residents in receipt of council tax support will receive a one-off £25 payment towards their council tax bill.

Households that qualify must be eligible for council tax support and who do not already receive a passported benefit (such as Universal Credit), those that have children of school age, someone who receives a disability benefit or someone in receipt of a war pension.

Payments will be made automatically and eligible households do not need to apply.

Announcing the scheme at Monday's meeting of the Cabinet, Councillor Chris Penberthy, cabinet member for housing, cooperative development and communities, said: "We promised to do all that we could to help people with the cost of living and so I'm delighted to be able to bring this scheme forward.

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"To some, £25 may not seem a lot of money but to others, it's quite simply the difference between eating or not eating; between a heated home or a cold one.  

"It's absolutely the right thing to do and I look forward to seeing eligible residents benefit."

Council tax support (CTS) is a local, means-tested scheme for people on low incomes to help them pay their council tax.

Any owner-occupier or tenant aged 18 or over who is legally responsible for the council tax can claim the support.

Subject to a customer's circumstances, a household receiving CTS could receive between 20% to 100% reduction against their Council Tax bill.

The exact discount you'll get will depend on your amount of income, savings and other financial circumstances.

What if I don't live in Plymouth?

Each council runs its own Household Support Scheme.

Local authorities are given a different portion of funding depending on the size of the catchment area, population, and need.

Local authorities have some autonomy on how they use the Fund to reach the vulnerable people in their communities.

Eligibility requirements will vary depending on where you live – so check directly with your council if you could get the cash help.

The vouchers or grants on offer vary by location so you'll have to check to see what you can get and how your council will pay you.

What other help is available?

Millions are also in line to receive cost of living payments worth up to £1,350.

The first instalment of the £900 payment has been paid to millions on certain benefits, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit.

Plus, pensioners who are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023/24 will get an extra £150 or £300 paid on top of their normal payment later this year.

Energy suppliers also offer plenty of energy grants and schemes to help you out if you're struggling.

Here's a list of schemes open right now:

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• British Gas Energy Trust Individuals and Family Fund
• EDF Customer Support Fund
• E.ON and E.ON Next Grants
• Octopus Energy Assist Fund
• Ovo Energy
• Scottish Power Hardship Fund

There's a one-off fuel voucher from your energy supplier if you're on a prepayment meter.

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