Pensioners and Seniors Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a valid Concession Card you could qualify for a rebate or a deferment on paying your rates. To qualify, ratepayers must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be the owner and occupier (live on the property) of the property at 01 July 2018: and
  • You must hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card, State Concession card, WA Seniors Card, or both a WA Seniors Card and Commonwealth Health Card.

Ratepayers meeting the above criteria must pay their portion of the general rates including Emergency Services Levy, all arrears and service charges by 25 August 2018.

How do I apply for a pensioner rebate?

  • Contact the Water Corporation on 1300 659 951 to complete a telephone application. The water Corporation will then forward a copy of your completed application to the Council.

OR

  • Complete an application online and the Water Corporation will then forward a copy of your completed application to Council.

The concession will apply from the date your application is received by the Water Corporation.

What happens if I receive a Seniors Card or a Pensioner Concession Card during the financial year?

Partial Concessions are available to pensioners and seniors who become eligible during the financial year. The partial concession will apply from the date your application is received by the Water Corporation.

Do I get Pensioner/Senior rebate on the Emergency Services Levy?

Seniors and pensioners who qualify for a rebate for their general rates will receive the same percentage rebate on the Emergency Service Levy. Pensioners who are eligible to defer their general rates may also defer their Emergency Service Levy.

Is there a maximum rebate amount for pensioners/seniors?

PENSIONERS OR SENIORS – RATES REBATES OR DEFERMENT (Applies to Rates and ESL only – other charges to be paid in full) Pensioners who meet the eligibility criteria were previously entitled to claim a rebate of up to 50% of the current year’s rates and ESL, or they may defer payment. As part of the 2015/16 WA State Budget, this rebate will now restricted to a capped limit of $750,The concession is available as either a rebate on, or the deferment of, this charge. Pensioners or seniors who own and occupy residential property as their ordinary place of residence and have one or more of the following cards may be entitled to a rebate: Pensioner Concession Card or State Concession Card (up to 50 per cent rebate, the rebate will be subject to a cap from 1 July 2016, may be entitled to deferment), or WA Seniors Card and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (up to 50 per cent rebate, the rebate will be subject to a cap from 1 July 2016, may be entitled to deferment); or WA Seniors Card (up to 25 per cent capped rebate, no deferment available).Partial concessions are available to pensioners and seniors who own and occupy their property at 1 July and become eligible during that financial year. Note: Eligible family members who are providing independent accommodation for a disabled family member may be entitled to receive a rates rebate.

What are my payment options?

1)     Claim your rebate

  • There is no pensioner rebate on the refuse charge and this must be paid on or before 25 August 2018.
  • You will need to pay your portion of the general rates, Emergency Services Levy, all arrears and service charges in full by the 30 June 2019, in order to receive your rebate which the Council will claim from the State Government on your behalf.

OR

2)     Defer the general rates and Emergency Services Levy on your property.

  • The Refuse Charge must be paid on or before 25 August 2018 and cannot be deferred.
  • If you are eligible and choose to defer your rates, the full rates amount and Emergency Services Levy will be deferred and remain as a charge on your property until it is sold, or you move from the property. No interest will apply to the deferred amount.

Who determines the rulings for pensioners and seniors?

The Office of State Revenue determines all rules in relation to the rebates and deferments for pensioners and seniors. The Council administers the rules regarding pensioners/seniors rebates and deferment of rates.

For further information please contact the Shire office on 08 9823 1506 or email rates@woodanilling.wa.gov.au