THOUSANDS of households who got the £150 council tax rebate as voucher need to act fast before they expire.

Millions of households living in council tax bands A-D are entitled the rebate to help with the cost of living.

Thousands of households who don't pay their council tax by direct debit and weren't eligible for an automatic payment have had to apply for the cash online.

Some councils have requested bank account details to transfer the cash over, while others have simply sent £150 vouchers in the post for households to redeem the cash.

So far, 46 councils in England and six in Wales have or in the process of distributing the rebate through a £150 Post Office voucher.

However, these vouchers come with an expiry date so take note and make sure you cash it before it's too late.

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The former Chancellor Rishi Sunak introduced a cost of living support package back in March, which included the £150 council tax rebate.

The vast majority of those that are eligible for the payment and who paid their council tax bill by direct debit on April 1 should have received the payment by now.

You can check your local council's website and social media pages for the latest updates on when you will get the cash if you're still waiting.

How do I use the Post Office voucher?

Simply take the voucher with you to your nearest Post Office branch. You can use the branch finder tool to find your local branch.

The voucher will have a barcode that the Post Office staff can scan which'll then allow them to release the cash.

Make sure you take some form of identification with you as the Post Office will need to check that you're the letter holder.

This can be a passport, drivers licence, debit or credit card.

Most vouchers will expire three months from the date of issue.

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How is the £150 paid to me?

Once the Post Office has scanned the barcode on your letter you'll be given two options to receive the payment depending on the branch.

You could ask for the £150 in cash form, although demand may mean that your local branch might not have enough reserves at the time.

You also have the option to get the £150 cashed into your bank account if you make sure to bring your debit card.

Most major banks and building societies support everyday banking services in Post Office branches.

However, if you're a Nationwide customer, you won't be able to request the cash into your bank account.

My voucher's expired, will I miss out on the £150?

If your vouchers expired you won't miss out on the £150 council tax rebate.

Instead of being issued the £150 in cash form from the Post Office, you'll be credited the money to your council tax account.

This'll bring down your council tax bill by £150.

However, if the support is given to you in this way, you'll have missed out on the benefits of a cash payment – which you could decide to spend on specific bills.

I don't live in council tax bands A-D, is there more help available?

If you don't live in a property in council tax bands A-D but are in need of extra support to help with the rising cost of living – discretionary funding is available.

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A separate £144million fund has also been launched which local councils can dish out to vulnerable and low income households. You may get up to £300 to help with your bills.

Some councils may issue their discretionary funding in the form of a Post Office voucher and the guidance above stands for this too.

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