If you want an extra few hundred dollars in your pocket then make sure you apply for a rates rebate this year.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council says it is concerned many ratepayers could be missing out on saving a few hundred dollars by not applying for a rates rebate.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council is encouraging all local ratepayers to apply for a rates rebate this year. Photo: Thinkstock

The Rates Rebate Scheme was established in 1973 to provide assistance to low-income homeowners on the cost of their rates

The maximum rebate for 2015 has increased to $610. There is an income threshold of $24,440 but you are allowed an extra $500 income for each dependant in your household.

'While we can't know for sure until we see their applications,” says council, 'we suspect that quite a number haven't applied who may well qualify.

'Feel a bit overwhelmed? Don't worry, we understand, and we also know how it works and really want to help as many as possible.”

Application forms can be picked up from council's area offices, the Tairua Library and The Hub in Paunaui from Monday, July 27.

Forms can also be downloaded now from the Department of Internal Affairs website.

There's two easy ways to check if you're entitled to a rate rebate is to view example tables or use the electronic calculator at The Department of Internal Affairs website.

If you receive a Work and Income benefit it might also pay to download the Schedule of Work and Income Benefits for the year ended 31 March 2015.

This table details the benefit rates for the tax year 2014/15 and the minimum rates payable in order to receive any or the full rebate.

Following another review of the scheme the Government increased the rates rebate thresholds for the 2015/16 rating year.

On July 1, the changes that came into effect were: the Maximum rebate increasing from $605 to $610, plus the income threshold increasing from $24,250 to $24,440.

But the additional income allowance for dependants remain at $500 per dependant.

The Hub in Paunaui. Photo: File

RATES REBATES PUBLIC CLINIC - PAUANUI AND TAIRUA

If you're needing a hand to apply for a rates rebate then head along to council's area offices in Thames, Whangamata, Whitianga or Coromandel township for forms and guidance.

But if you do not live in any of those towns the council will be two running clinics – one in Paunaui and the other in Tairua – on Monday, August 17.

The clinics will be run by Sophie Hayward and are for anyone wanting some tips or help filling in the forms.

First things first, either download a rebate form or pick one up from the Tairua Library and The Hub Pauanui from Monday, July 27.

Then simply bring your forms and any of the documentation requested in the forms to one of council's two clinics:

• PAUANUI: The Hub – Monday, August 17 – 10am-12pm
• TAIRUA: Tairua Library – Monday, August 17 – 1pm-3pm

For more information about rates rebates visit the Thames-Coromandel District Council's website at: tcdc.govt.nz/Our-Services/Rates/Rates-Rebates

The Tairua Library. Photo: File