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Rate Relief Scheme - overview

People on low incomes, including pensioners, may receive a reduction in their rates through the Rate Relief Scheme, which is only available in Northern Ireland.

How do you qualify for Rate Relief?

When you apply for Housing Benefit, you are also assessed for Rate Relief.

Even if you're not sure whether you can claim Housing Benefit, or if you have tried to claim in the past but not been successful, you should apply again, because you may be entitled help through the Rate Relief Scheme.

The Rate Relief Scheme helps you if you are on a low income, and:

  • you and your partner's total capital and savings do not exceed £16,000, if you are under pension age
  • you are a pensioner and you have savings of up to £50,000

Please use the attached links for details on how to apply for Housing Benefit and Rate Relief and what to do if you disagree with the decision on your claim:

Additional help for carers

From 1 April 2011 there is increased help for carers. This is provided through the existing Rate Relief scheme with a 20 per cent uplift in the carer premium. This will ensure that more households get help with their rates and will also increase the amount of support provided to those currently in receipt of the carer premium and who receive some Housing Benefit and/or Rate Relief.

This additional help for carers is included in applications for Rate Relief from 1 April 2011.

You can contact LPS for more information as follows:

Or by writing to:

Land & Property Services
Housing Benefit Central Unit
Lincoln Building
27 - 45 Great Victoria Street
Malone Lower
BELFAST
BT2 7SL

Important Information

If you apply for help, you must still pay your rate bill while your application is being assessed. If your application is successful Land & Property Services will refund the amount you have overpaid or credit the amount due to your account.

Any help you receive may depend on your income, savings, size of your rate bill and whether other people live with you.

The same application form is used for both Housing Benefit and Rate Relief and the same appeal processes apply to both.

Upcoming events

A list of planned outreach events and campaigns can be found by clicking on the following link:

The Outreach Officer will speak to any club, charity, faith group, organisation or anyone interested in help with the rates and can be contacted as follows:

More useful links