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

State Government rebates and deferments available

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