Deferral of rates
Hardship rates deferral is available to home owners in the ACT who hold a current Services Australia Health Care Card or Low Income Health Care Card and others experiencing significant financial hardship.
A deferral means you can delay paying rates until a later date. 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.
Eligibility
For Health Care Card holders consenting to allow Services Australia to share details of your concession card and it's status with the ACT Revenue Office will allow us to confirm your eligibility.
It is also possible to demonstrate significant financial hardship by completing a Financial Hardship Questionnaire and providing supporting information regarding your financial situation. The National Debt Helpline can assist, it provides free and confidential help including referral to financial counsellors.
Application process - Health Care Card and Low Income Health Care Card Holders
To apply to defer your rates 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 Services Australia Concession Card details.
Application process - Financial hardship questionnaire
Follow the link below for details of the information you need to supply, the assessment process, and the application form.