Pensioners & Seniors Rebate

Pensioners or seniors who own and occupy their property may be entitled to a rebate.

Pensioner Rebates

Are applicable if you receive a pension or hold a valid Pensioner Concession Card, or State Concession Card or Seniors Card with Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. The rebate available to eligible pensioners is capped at the lesser of $750 or 50% on rates. Sewerage charges are also capped at $436.15. Eligible pensioners may apply to defer their rates, sewerage charges and ESL.

Senior Rebates

Are available if you hold a valid Seniors Card. The rebate for Seniors Card holders on local government rates are capped at $100 per household and 25% on ESL. The State Government administers the laws regarding pensioner and senior concessions. For more information visit ckb.wa.gov.au/residents/rates.

To qualify, ratepayers must meet all the following criteria:

  • You must be the owner and occupier of the property at 1 July 2024; 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, sewerage area rates, Emergency Services Levy, rubbish charge and all arrears by 30 June 2025 to claim a rebate.

It is not possible to get an extension to pay the rebate amount after 30 June 2025.

FAQs: Pensioners & Seniors Rebate

How do I apply for a pensioner/senior rebate?

  • Contact the Water Corporation on 1300 659 951 to complete a telephone application. The Water Corporation will then forward a copy of your completed application to the City
  • Complete an application online and the Water Corporation will then forward a copy of your completed application to the City

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's general rates, sewerage and Emergency Services Levy subject to *capping conditions.

For 2024/25 the State Government has approved capping for pensioners at $750 or 50% on rates, whichever the lesser. Sewerage charges have also been capped at $436.15

Seniors who meet the eligibility criteria are entitled to claim a rebate of up to 25% of the current year's general rates, sewerage and Emergency Services Levy. The rates rebate for seniors is capped to a maximum amount of $100.00 and $72.69 for sewerage charges for the 2024/25 financial year. There is no maximum or capped amount for the seniors rebate for the Emergency Services Levy.

What happens if my circumstance 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, sewer 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 our Rates Team (08) 9021 9654 to discuss whether you wish to arrange a suitable payment arrangement on deferred rates.

Quick Links

Pensioners and Seniors Concession Fact Sheet

Rates Concession Policy

 Rates Concession Application

Rates Exemption Policy

 Rates Exemption Application

Water Corporation