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 all the following criteria:
- They must be the owner and occupier of the property at 1 July 2011.
- They must hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card, State Concession Card, WA Seniors Card or both a WA Seniors Card and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
Ratepayers meeting the above criteria must pay their portion of the general rates (including Specified Area Rate), Emergency Services Levy, all arrears and service charges by 30 June 2012. It is not possible to get an extension to pay the rebate amount after 30 June 2012.
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 City.
OR - Complete an application online at www.watercorporation.com.au and the Water Corporation will then forward a copy of your completed application to the City.
OR - Complete a Pensioner/Senior application form at one of the City’s Customer Service Centres. The City will then forward the duplicate copy of your completed application, together with copies of your relevant card(s) to the Water Corporation.
The concession will apply from the date your application is received by the Water Corporation or the City, whichever is earlier.
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 or the City, whichever is earlier.
Do I get a 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 Services Levy. Pensioners who are eligible to defer their general rates may also defer their Emergency Services Levy.
Is there a minimum or maximum rebate amount for seniors?
Seniors who meet the eligibility criteria are entitled to claim a rebate of up to 25% of their general rates (including Specified Area Rate). The rates rebate for seniors is capped to a maximum amount of $257.45 for the 2011/2012 financial year. There is no maximum or capped amount for the seniors rebate for the Emergency Services Levy.
What are my payment options?
If you are a registered and entitled pensioner /senior you have two options in relation to the payment of your current 2011 /2012 rates, as follows:
- Claim your rebate.
If your portion of the general rates (including Specified Area Rate), Emergency Services Levy, all arrears and service charges are paid in full by 30 June 2012, the City will be able to claim a rebate from the Office of State Revenue, on your behalf.
Please note, the refuse charge and the pool fence inspection fee cannot be deferred and must be paid on or before 26 August 2011.
OR - Defer the general rates and Emergency Services Levy on your property. For this option, the full rates amount and
Emergency Services Levy will be deferred and remain as a charge against your property until the property is sold, or you move from the property. No interest will apply to the deferred amount. This option is not available for life tenants, seniors or
pensioners entitled to a rebate of less than 50%. Please note, the refuse charge and the pool fence inspection fee cannot be deferred and must be paid on or before 26 August 2011.
What happens if my circumstances change or I no longer receive a pension?
If any of your circumstances change, such as your card type, your pension type, you have changed address or you have become ineligible, you must notify the City immediately.
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 City administers the rules regarding pensioner/seniors rebates and deferment of rates.
