It has been claimed that families applying to Clare County Council for a third level education grant are being asked to submit proof they have paid their household charge.
Applicants have been told that in order to progress payment of the first instalment of the grant they must submit a receipt for the household charge.
The Campaign Against the Household Charge has described the move as a new low for the Government.
A spokesperson said councils who have had their budgets cut seem to be getting desperate and are willing to use any means to get the household charge registration figures up.
Disgraceful discrimination against non-payers of the household charge. We will be fighting this kind of carry on... http://t.co/Ctwn29b8
— No Household Tax (@AxeWaterTax) September 17, 2012