PENSIONER & SENIOR REBATES

If you hold a valid Concession Card you could qualify for a rebate or a deferment on paying your rates. To qualify, ratepayers must meet all the following criteria: 

  • You must be the owner and occupier of the property on 1 July 2022; and 
  • You must hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card, State Concession Card, WA Seniors Card or both a WA Seniors Card and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. 

Ratepayers meeting the above criteria must pay their portion of the general rates, Emergency Services Levy, rubbish charge and all arrears by 30 June 2023 to claim a rebate. 

How do I apply for a pensioner/senior rebate? 

Contact the Water Corporation on 1300 659 951 to complete a telephone application, or find directions to complete the application online. The Water Corporation will then forward a copy of your completed application to the Shire of Carnarvon.

The concession will apply from the date your application is received by the Water Corporation. Partial concessions are available to pensioners and seniors who become eligible during the financial year. The partial concession will apply from the date your application is received by the Water Corporation. 

Is there a maximum rebate amount for pensioners/seniors?  

Pensioners who meet the eligibility criteria are entitled to claim a rebate of up to 50% of the current year general rates and Emergency Services Levy subject to *capping conditions. 

As of 2022/23 the State Government has approved a capping for pensioners that is the lesser of $750 or 50% on rates. 
 
Seniors who meet the eligibility criteria are entitled to claim a rebate of up to 25% of the current years' general rates and Emergency Services Levy. The rates rebate for seniors is capped to a maximum amount of $100.00 for the 2022/23 financial year. There is no maximum or capped amount for the senior’s rebate for the Emergency Services Levy. 

What happens if my circumstances change, or I no longer receive a pension? 

Please notify us immediately if your circumstances change, particularly with respect to: 

  • Card type (senior to a pensioner) 
  • Ownership of property 
  • Status change (ineligible or no longer hold that card) 

Am I eligible to defer my rates? 

You may be entitled to defer your rates, sewer rates and emergency services levy (ESL) under certain circumstances.  If eligible, general rates and ESL will be automatically deferred if the amount required to be paid on the rates notice is not paid by 30th June of the current financial year. 

  • Seniors and part pensioners are not entitled to defer their rates. 
  • Deferred rates are charged at the full rates levied value, not the reduced rebate amount. 
  • The government rebate is forfeited if you choose to defer. 
  • Rubbish and service charges are not eligible and must be paid in full by the end of each financial year. 
  • 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 a current pensioner. 
  • Deferred rates can be paid at any time. Contact the Shire by phone (08) 9941 0000 or complete the Rates online enquiry form here.  to discuss whether you wish to arrange a suitable payment arrangement on deferred rates.