State government - rate concessions

Pensioners and holders of other state concession cards including state Seniors Card or low income earners may be eligible for state concessions to be paid toward their rates.

Council is advised annually of persons eligible for state concessions at 1 July and we automatically apply the concessions to rates accounts. Where these concessions have been applied they will clearly show on the rates notice. Other persons who may have recently become eligible will have to make application through the appropriate state government department.

To check if you may be eligible or to lodge an application, please:

• visit the DFC concessions website www.sa.gov.au/concessions where you can use their 'concessions finder' and also apply online
• telephone the DFC concessions hotline on 1800 307 758.

Council does not determine eligibility for state concessions.

The eligibility date for state concessions for council rates is the first quarterly due date each year. For Onkaparinga residents this date is 1 September.

Postponement of rates for seniors

The council has recognised the effect that valuation increases have had on the amount of rates paid by some senior residents. Our rating policy provides the ability for state Seniors Card holders to postpone payment of rates each year.

• Ratepayers who have a state Seniors Card may apply to postpone payment of rates on their principal place of residence. Seniors must pay $500 of their rates each year but can postpone payment of any amount levied above this. Pensioner or self-funded retiree concessions can further reduce the amount required to be paid each year.
• Postponed rates remain as a charge on the land and must be paid when the property is sold or disposed of. Monthly interest charges apply to amounts postponed.