Financial Hardship Application

Council can assist with payment arrangements to help you catch up on your council rates. If you wish to consider this option, please contact us at 8229 9999 to discuss it in more detail.

Council is unable to offer extensions for Council rates. B-Pay payments may be set up through online banking to assist with smaller, more regular payments. However, late payment fees on outstanding amounts may still be charged in accordance with Section 181 (8) of the Local Government Act 1999 (the Act).

Council rates can be paid via a B-Pay set up directly with online banking, either weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or by due date.

If you receive Centrelink payments, you can register and have fortnightly deductions from your benefits paid directly towards your council rates. For instructions on how to set up, please use the link below or contact Centrelink directly. Please use Council's Centrepay number CRN: 555 140 785H

While Council does not provide this service, there are several free accredited financial counselling services located in the northern suburbs:

• Anglicare – Financial Counselling & Literacy: 1800 759 707
• Uniting Communities: 1800 615 677 (select option 3)
• Uniting Care Wesley Bowden: 8245 7100
• Salvation Army - Financial Counselling: 1800 722 363

You may be able to apply for early release of your superannuation on the grounds of severe financial hardship. Contact your superannuation fund to find out their requirements.

The Cost of Living concession replaced Council concession in 2015. Please phone the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion Concessions hotline on 1800 307 758. You may also be eligible to apply for a Seniors Rates Postponement