Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert team have provided some urgent advice to homeowners ahead of the £150 council tax rebate.
The discount is one of a raft of support schemes announced by the government after Ofgem confirmed the energy price cap will rise by 54% in April due to surging wholesale gas prices.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak confirmed the rebate will be available to all households in England that are in council tax bands A, B, C or D.
READ MORE: Money Saving Expert shares energy price cap loophole to beat 'sickening' price hike
The payments are due to arrive in bank accounts from next month, and the MoneySavingExpert team has reminded households about who will get it automatically - as Mirror Online reports.
In the latest edition of the Money Saving Expert newsletter, the team said: "Those who pay council tax by direct debit will get it automatically paid into their bank accounts.
“There's still time to set one up (although we can't give a specific deadline as it differs by council). If you don't set one up, the council will send you info on how to claim it.”
The Local Government Association (LGA) this week warned how those who don’t pay by direct debit could face delays in receiving their council tax rebate.
Councillor Shaun Davies said: “Having a direct debit set up will mean councils can automatically pay the £150 energy rebate straight into your bank account.
"It is quick and easy to set up to pay council tax by direct debit via your council’s website.
“You can still get the money if you don't have a direct debit set up, but it could take longer as your council will have to contact you and then you'll have to make a claim."
The LGA estimates around one million Brits don’t pay their council tax by direct debit.
You'll need to get in touch with your local council directly to set up direct debit payments.
This will allow payments to be taken automatically from your bank account each month, over 12 months or 10.
You can usually set up a council tax direct debit online, but there will also be options for doing it over the phone or by post too.
You can find your local council using the Gov.uk website and searching your postcode.
If you don't qualify for the £150 council tax rebate you could still be eligible for other help.
A separate £144million fund has also been launched which local councils can dish out to vulnerable and low income households.
You can read the full edition of the Money Saving Expert newsletter here
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