Eligibility
The pensioner rates rebate is available to home owners in the ACT who receive a pension from Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs with entitlement to a Pensioner Concession Card, or a Veteran Gold Card.
Rebates
From 2021-22, the rebate is a 50 per cent reduction in your rates capped at $750, and there is also a rebate of $98 on the Fire and Emergency Services Levy.
The rebate is applied in proportion to the interest the property of the eligible applicants. For example, if there are two property owners that have a 50% share in the property (or are joint tenants) and they are both eligible for the pension, the household will receive the full rebate. If only one person is eligible for the pension, then 50 per cent of the rebate will be applied.
If you have been continuously eligible for the rebate since 30 June 1997, you are covered by a different rebate scheme. The amount of your rebate is 50 per cent of your rates capped at the 2015-16 level if it exceeds $750.
Each eligible applicant needs to apply separately.
Deferral of rates
You can also apply to defer payment of all or part of the rates charges. The deferral is applied after any rebate is deducted.
A deferral means you can delay paying rates until a later date, or when the property is sold or transferred. Simple interest at a concessional rate applies on the amount that has been deferred. The interest rate is updated every July and January in line with the monthly average 90 day Bank Accepted Bill rate issued by the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Application process
To apply for a pensioner concession you will need to complete an online application form.
You will need:
- an ACT Digital account which has a proven identity. If you don't have an ACT Digital Account you will be able to create one as part of the application process.
- your rates account number which appears on your rates notice, and
- your Pensioner Concession Card or Veteran Gold Card details.