Rates and Rebates for Pensioners and Seniors

Eligibility for State Government rebate or deferment

To be eligible for State Government rebate or deferment as detailed in the Rates and Charges (Rebates and Deferments) Act 1992, an applicant must:

  • Be the owner

  • Reside at the property as of 1 July for the year ahead

  • Be classified as a Pensioner or Senior (see requirements below)

Source: Rates and Charges (Rebates and Deferments) Act 1992

Pensioner classification

To be classified as a Pensioner, you must meet one of the following:

  • You receive the pension and are the holder of a Pensioner Concession Card or State Concession Card

​OR

  • You hold a Seniors Card issued by the Office of Seniors Interests and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

Senior classification
  • To be classified as a Senior, you must hold a Seniors Card issued by the Office of Seniors Interests.

Important note: Holders of both a Seniors Card (issued by the Office of Seniors Interests) and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card are entitled to the same concessions as a pensioner.

State Government rebates and deferments available

Pensioner rebate and deferments
  • 50 per cent off the current year’s rates, emergency services levy and underground power charge. Limited to a cap of $750 on rates for the 2024-25 rating year.  Please visit the Department of Finance for more information about the capped amount. 

  • Deferment of current year’s rates, emergency services levy and undergound power charge.

Part pensioners are not entitled to a deferment.

Seniors rebate and deferments
  • 25 per cent off the current year’s rates, emergency services levy and underground power charge. Limited to a cap of $100 on rates for the 2024-25 rating year.  Please visit the Department of Finance for more information about the capped amount. 
  • Seniors rebate on underground power charge is only applicable in the first year or part of the first year that the underground power charge is to be or was made.  

Seniors are not entitled to a deferment.

Register for a State Government rebate

To register for State Government rebate, please submit online application to the Water Corporation (even if you are not a client) or call 1300 659 951.

Important notes:

  • State Government rebate only apply once your application has been registered and received by the Water Corporation
  • A pro rata State Government rebate may be available from the date of registration for pensioners and seniors who become eligible after 1 July
  • Part pensioners and part seniors may attract penalty interest on overdue amounts and proportional costs

Defer your rates payments

If you receive a 50 per cent pensioner rebate for your property, you may defer paying your rates until the property is sold or you are no longer reside at the property. 

Important notes:

  • Life tenants, seniors and part pensioners are not entitled to defer rates

  • Deferred rates are charged at the full value, not the reduced rate

  • Rates, emergency services levy and underground power charges can be deferred. All other charges and levies must be paid in full by the due date

  • Deferred rates only become payable at such a time that you either sell your property or cease to reside at the property, even if you are no longer an eligible pensioner

  • No interest will apply to the deferred amount

Rate arrears outstanding on your property

​Contact the City if you have rates arrears outstanding on your property and you meet the eligibility criteria. You may be able to enter into an arrangement that entitles you to a State Government rebate or deferment.

Change of circumstances

If any of your circumstances change, such as your concession card type or you are no longer eligible, you must notify the City immediately on 08 9411 3444 or email [email protected].

You can change your address, name or property ownership online.

Rates due date and payments

We encourage pensioners and seniors to pay their rates on or before 15 June so the State Goverment rebate can be claimed on your behalf. Late payments may result in your State Government rebate being forfeited.

Find out about paying your rates, including options for online payments, direct debit in person or through Centrepay or SmartRates.

Important note: If any outstanding rates and charges are not cleared by the end of the previous financial year, seniors and part pensioners may have their concession status cancelled and be required to make a new application once the arrears are cleared.

More information and contact

For information or assistance please call 08 9411 3444 or rates@cockburn.wa.gov.au

Contact

Address

City of Cockburn
Whadjuk Boodja
9 Coleville Crescent,
Spearwood 6163

PO Box 1215, Bibra Lake DC,
Western Australia, 6965

Office opening hours:
8.30am to 4.30pm
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

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Cockburn Nyungar moort Beeliar boodja-k kaadadjiny. Koora, yeyi, benang baalap nidja boodja-k kaaradjiny.
Ngalak kaditj boodjar kep wer kaadidjiny kalyakool yoodaniny, wer koora wer yeyi ngalak Birdiya koota-djinanginy.

City of Cockburn acknowledges the Nyungar people of Beeliar boodja. Long ago, now and in the future they care for Country.
We acknowledge a continuing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present.