Rates for Seniors & Pensioners

The State Government has approved a $750 cap for local government rates applying to pensioner households as of 1 July 2016.

Local Governments are required by legislation to implement this policy change on behalf of the Government when they issue rates notices to affected pensioners.

This means your local government rates notice now includes a concession that is the lesser of $750 or 50 per cent of the rates payable.

The 2015-16 Budget originally announced that the 50% concession available to pensioners on their local government rates was to be capped to $550 with effect from 1 July 2016. After listening to community concerns and stakeholders groups, including the Western Australian Self-Funded Retirees Association Inc, the Government increased the cap for local government rates to $750.

Note: Seniors cardholder rates concessions remain unchanged at 25 per cent up to a capped amount, as has been the case for many years.

Why is this happening?

The population of senior citizens in Western Australia is expected to increase from its current 458,000 to 865,000 in the next two decades. Supporting an ageing population is a significant policy challenge faced by all levels of government.

To ensure social concessions are better targeted and concessions provided by the State are sustainable over the longer term, the Government has made the difficult decision to cap the amount of the concession allowed for pensioners on their local government rates and water service charges.

Difficult and necessary decisions such as these changes ensure that the State’s finances remain sustainable, while at the same time continuing to deliver high quality services and infrastructure to the Western Australian community.

Government of Western Australia Department of Finance June 2016

How to apply for a pensioner/senior discount on your Shire of Waroona rates

Pensioners and/or Seniors who meet the eligibility criteria may be entitled to claim a rebate of up to 50% for pensioners (capped at $750) and 25% for seniors (capped at
$100) for your rates and emergency services levy.

To meet the eligibility criteria an applicant must:

1. Be the owner of the property and reside there as their permanent place of address as at the 1st July of the current rating year.

2. Be in receipt of either a:

• Pensioner Card (50%);
• State Concession Card (50%);
• Commonwealth Seniors Health Card+ Seniors Card (50%); or
• Seniors Card (25%).

To apply for a rebate on your Council rates you must register with the Water Corporation by phoning:
1300 659 951

Or online at www.watercorporation.com.au