Rate rebates, hardship and other relief

Some people and organisations may be eligible for rate rebates and some seniors may be eligible to postpone payment of rates.

Financial hardship

We recognise that instances of ongoing financial hardship are experienced by some ratepayers and we aim to assist by providing an understanding of the options available to manage payment of rates that are outstanding or will become overdue in the near future. Please refer to our Financial Hardship Policy (rates)(PDF, 109KB) for further information.

How do I apply?

In the first instance please contact our customer relations team on 08 8384 0666 to discuss the options that may best suit your circumstance.

To make an application for hardship, you will be encouraged to make contact with an accredited financial counsellor to assist you with this process. 

To speak to or to find a local financial counsellor, please contact the National Debt Hotline on 1800 007 007 or visiting www.ndh.org.au/talk-to-a-financial-counsellor. The financial counsellor will then contact council either with you or on your behalf to progress your application.

All details supplied are confidential.

Postponement of rates for seniors

Ratepayers who hold a State Seniors Card can apply to postpone payment of rates on their principal place of residence each year. Seniors must pay $500 of their rates each year but can postpone payment of any amount levied above this. Postponed rates remain as a charge on the land and are not required to be repaid until the property is sold or disposed of. Monthly interest charges apply to amounts postponed.

Am I eligible?

Applications are subject to our eligibility criteria, see the ‘explanatory notes’ section of the application form (below).

How do I apply?

To apply please print and complete all sections of the Postponement of Rates for Seniors application form (below). 

Postponement Seniors Application Form(PDF, 175KB)

What happens next?

You must make the required payment for all rate amounts due pending the outcome of your application. 

Once the application has been assessed, you will be advised of the outcome in writing.

Rate capping rebate

We recognise that significant increases in property valuations have had an effect on the amount of rates paid by some residents. We will automatically apply a 10% rate cap on residential properties where eligibility is readily identifiable.

Am I eligible?

A cap rebate applies to residential properties only. More information is available in our Rate Rebate Policy(PDF, 131KB)

This cap rebate will only be granted if the increase in rates is not a result of:

  • significant capital improvements on the property (regardless of when the development was undertaken)
  • change in land use
  • or a change in ownership since 1 July of the previous financial year.

How do I apply?

If the rebate is not applied automatically, you can lodge an application to have your eligibility assessed.

Applications and all additional information requested in the form must be submitted to us by 30 June of that financial year.

Rate Capping Application(PDF, 243KB)   

What happens next?

You must make the required payment for all rate amounts due pending the outcome of your application. 

Once the application has been assessed, you will be advised of the outcome in writing.

Other council rebates

Some people and/or organisations may be eligible for a council rebate, this includes:

  • community groups
  • health organisations
  • educational organisation

Council rebates are subject to legislation.

Am I eligible?

Our Rate Rebate Policy provides details of the mandatory and discretionary rebates available in section 5.2 and 5.3.

Rate Rebate Policy(PDF, 131KB)

How do I apply? 

You can lodge an application to have your eligibility assessed.

Rate Rebate Application(PDF, 301KB)

What happens next?

You must make the required payment for all rate amounts due pending the outcome of your application. 

Once the application has been assessed, you will be advised of the outcome in writing.

State Government concessions

The State Government no longer provide concessions through Councils. This includes concession for Community Wastewater Management Scheme (CWMS).

State concessions are administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and are are now paid directly to eligible concession holders.

If you have recently become eligible for a concession or have an enquiry regarding a concession you will need to contact the Department of Human Services (DHS) hotline on 1800307 758 or visit www.sa.gov.au/concessions