Background to Low Income Rate Relief
Low Income Rate Relief is a scheme to help with rates charges. It is funded by the Land and Property services (LPS) and administered by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for all tenants in the rented sector.
Tenants who only receive partial help with their rates through Housing Benefit may be entitled to help through Low Income Rate Relief
The Low Income Rate Relief assessment is made automatically where there is a Housing Benefit claim and an eligible rates charge.
How Low Income Rate Relief will be paid
From the 1st April 2021, Low Income Rate Relief payments will be aligned with Housing Benefit payments. This means
Landlords
If you currently receive the Housing Benefit Rates Rebate payment, you will also receive the Low Income Rate Relief payment every four weeks in arrears.
- Tenants
If your tenant currently receives the Housing Benefit Rates Rebate payment, they will also receive the Low Income Rate Relief payment every two weeks in arrears.
- Land and Property Service (LPS)
If LPS currently receive the Housing Benefit Rates Rebate payment, they will also receive the Low Income Rate Relief payment every four weeks in arrears.
Overpayments of Low Income Rate Relief will be recovered in the same way as Housing Benefit overpayments.
For more information on Low Income Rate Relief or Housing Benefit, please visit our website.
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