Council’s Hardship Assistance Policy recognises there are times in our lives when we struggle to pay our bills. This might be as a result of unemployment, sickness, lower income or other significant disadvantaging life events. The policy allows a ratepayer, who is experiencing genuine financial hardship, to make an application to Council for assistance. Find a link to Council’s policy here.

If you are experiencing financial hardship and are struggling to pay your rates, there are a number of options for you.

Periodical Payment Plan

If you are unable to pay your rates by the due date, you can request an extension or make an arrangement to pay. Council’s policy also allows for regular periodical payments such as paying your rates weekly, fortnightly or monthly. You can do this by completing the Payment Arrangement Application Form.

Pensioner Rebate

If you have been recently granted a Pensioner Concession Card by the NSW Government, then you may be eligible to apply for a pensioner rebate on your rates account.

To apply for a pensioner rebate, complete the Pensioner Concession Application Form.

Defer Rates Payment

Council’s Hardship Policy enables a ratepayer who is already receiving a pensioner rebate on their rates account to apply to defer their rates payment. Find more information here.