Rates rebates, hardship, and other relief
Some people and organisations may be eligible for rate rebates and some seniors may be eligible to postpone payment of rates.
We recognise that instances of ongoing financial hardship are experienced by some ratepayers and we aim to assist by providing an understanding of the options available to manage payment of rates that are outstanding or will become overdue in the near future. Please refer to our Rates Hardship Policy 2.6.14 for further information.
How do I apply?
In the first instance please contact the Rates Department on 8641 9100 or admin@portaugusta.sa.gov.au to discuss the options that may best suit your circumstance.
To make an application for hardship, you will be encouraged to make contact with an accredited financial counsellor to assist you with this process.
To speak to or to find a local financial counsellor, please contact the National Debt Hotline on 1800 007 007 or visiting www.ndh.org.au/talk-to-a-financial-counsellor. The financial counsellor will then contact council either with you or on your behalf to progress your application.
All details supplied are confidential.
Ratepayers who hold a State Seniors Card can apply to postpone payment of rates on their principal place of residence each year. Seniors must pay $500 of their rates each year but can postpone payment of any amount levied above this. Postponed rates remain as a charge on the land and are not required to be repaid until the property is sold or disposed of. Monthly interest charges apply to amounts postponed.
Am I eligible?
Applications are subject to our eligibility criteria, see the ‘explanatory notes’ section of the application form (below).
How do I apply?
To apply please print and complete all sections of the Postponement of Rates Scheme Application Form
What happens next?
You must make the required payment for all rate amounts due pending the outcome of your application.
Once the application has been assessed, you will be advised of the outcome in writing.
Council considers it appropriate to grant pursuant to Section 166(1)(l)(i) of the Local Government Act a rebate to provide relief against what would otherwise amount to a substantial change in rates payable by a ratepayer from one financial year to the next.
Consequently, rebates will be granted* to limit the increase of the 2023/2024 general rate over the amount of the general rate payable in the 2022/2023 financial year as follows:
- increase in the general rate payable will be limited to 10% over the general rates payable in the 2022/2023 financial year for all assessments with a residential land use.
- increase in the general rates payable will be limited to 20% over the general rates payable in the 2022/2023 financial year for assessments in all other categories of land use.
Am I eligible?
*Exclusions apply where:
- The land use has changed from the 2022/2023 rating year to the 2023/2024 rating year.
- The ratepayer is granted any other rebate of rates for 2023/2024 under the Local Government Act 1999 sections 159 to 166.
- A new valuation has been provided by the Valuer-General for the purpose of incorporating contiguous land.
- Tenancy cancellation from the 2022/2023 rating year to the 2023/2024 rating year resulting in merged assessments.
Rebates
Some people and/or organisations may be eligible for a council rebate, this includes:
- community groups
- health organisations
- educational organisation
Council rebates are subject to legislation.
Am I eligible?
Our Rates Rebate Policy provides details of the mandatory and discretionary rebates available.
How do I apply?
You can lodge an application to have your eligibility assessed.
Sponsorship
A sponsorship is an arrangement where Council partners with an organisation to provide financial support but also provides additional benefits in return to Council such as advertising. Organisations will be encouraged to enter into a sponsorship agreement to simplify the financial support arrangements, where they require a variety of financial support or subsidy arrangements from the Council.
What happens next?
You must make the required payment for all rate amounts due pending the outcome of your application.
Once the application has been assessed, you will be advised of the outcome in writing.
The State Government no longer provide concessions through Councils. This includes concession for Community Wastewater Management Scheme (CWMS).
State concessions are administered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and are are now paid directly to eligible concession holders.
If you have recently become eligible for a concession or have an enquiry regarding a concession you will need to contact the Department of Human Services (DHS) hotline on 1800307 758 or visit www.sa.gov.au/concessions