Rates rebates - government assistance

We know paying rates can be tough for some people. If you're a low-income homeowner or retirement village resident who holds a licence to occupy agreement, you might be eligible for a Department of Internal Affairs rates rebate subsidy of up to $655.

Applications for the 2019/20 rating year are now closed.

Applications for the 2020/21 rating year open from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021. Processing of 2020/21 applications will start from the middle of August 2020.

You might qualify for help if you:

pay residential rates and were living in your property on 1 July 2020 and
have a total gross household income for the tax year ending 31 March 2020 that’s less than $40,000 a year. (You might also qualify for a partial rebate if you earn up to $45,000 if you have dependants or your property’s rates are high).

To find out more check out our fact sheet or visit the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) website. To check if you might qualify use their rates rebate calculator.

Forms can be downloaded from the DIA website, or pick one up at a Council service centre. Bring the completed form into a Council service centre to be processed by 30 June 2021. You’ll also need to bring proof of your income (before tax) for the tax year ended 31 March 2020 unless you’re on Government superannuation only.

Other rates support from Council including water rates - how to apply

You could also be eligible for other property and water rates remissions that we offer. For more information, visit our rates remissions page.

Frequently asked questions and additional resources

How can I find out more about the DIA rates rebate?

Each year the Rates Rebate Scheme is run by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and we support the scheme by processing applications. For more information about the scheme please visit the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) website.

I applied for a rates rebate. How will I receive the rebate?

If you application is successful, the rebate will be paid as a credit to your rates account.

How often can I apply for a DIA rates rebate?

You can apply once during each rating year (1 July – 30 June). If you’re successful you can only receive one DIA rates rebate per rating year.

Are there other rates rebates or remissions I can apply for and can I apply for more than one?

We set aside up to $175,000 a year for property rates/water rates remissions. These are available to low-income earners and/or people facing financial hardship. For more information, visit our rates remissions page.