TENANTS and homeowners in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area who receive Universal Credit are being urged to check their eligibility for the new Rate Rebate scheme.
The scheme is being administered by Land & Property Services (LPS), part of the Department of Finance and entitles ratepayers in receipt of Universal Credit to a rebate on their rates.
It is being rolled out in conjunction with Universal Credit across Northern Ireland.
To apply for Rate Rebate, the tenant or homeowner must be of working age, in receipt of Universal Credit and live in the property.
Tenants or homeowners can only make a claim for Rate Rebate once they are awarded Universal Credit and any claim should be made as soon as possible following their first payment of Universal Credit.
Claims should be made within three months to ensure no partial loss of any subsequent award.
The application is very straightforward and can be completed online at www.nidirect.gov.uk/rate-rebate-scheme
Claimants must first register for an online account using their own email address and when they are registered, they can complete their online application.
For anyone who has not yet received Universal Credit or for those who are not eligible to receive it (such as pensioners) rates support will continue through Housing Benefit.
For help with the online application process, individuals can contact Land & Property Services on 0300 200 7802.
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