Concessions, rebates and payment plans
The City of Ballarat is committed to supporting people and businesses who are experiencing financial difficulties.
Anyone who is having difficulty paying part or all of their rates, charges or the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund should contact the City of Ballarat Customer Service team on 5320 5500 for information on the hardship application.
Financial Hardship Policy
Ratepayers who meet the criteria under this policy can apply for a range of assistance options that suit their individual needs.
Applications for assistance under City of Ballarat's Financial Hardship Policy should be made on the prescribed form. Ratepayers will need to provide evidence to support their claim for financial hardship assistance.
Enquiries about this policy can be made by contacting the City of Ballarat Customer Service team on 5320 5500.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you can talk to a free financial counsellor at the National Debt Hotline on 1800 007 007.
Ballarat has the following free financial counselling services:
Pensioner concession
If you are eligible and hold a current pension card, you may be able to claim a rebate on your rates of up to $266. This amount is adjusted annually in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
A further concession of $50 can be claimed from the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.
Apply for your concession rate
If possible, please supply Council with a copy of your pension card when applying.
Single household pensioner rebate
Eligible pensioners who are receiving the pensioner concession, who live alone in their own home and are solely responsible for the payment of rates on that property, will be entitled to receive an additional rate waiver of $120 (increased from $110), funded by the City of Ballarat.
To apply, download the City of Ballarat Single Pension Waiver and return to the City of Ballarat in person, email or via post.
Low-income Health Care Card Rates Rebate
The City of Ballarat has introduced a new rebate of $120 for ratepayers who hold a low-income Health Care Card.
This is one of several initiatives that the City of Ballarat has introduced to address the cost of living and ease some of the financial pressure on the community.
You can apply for your Low Income Health Care Card Rates Rebate online via eServices, download a Health Care Card Rates Rebate form or visit Customer Service at The Phoenix, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat.
Please note: Ratepayers who qualify for both the pensioner concession and the low-income Health Care Card rebate will only be able to claim one of these options.
Payment plans
Ratepayers may choose to enter into a formal payment plan with Council to assist in the payment of any overdue rates and charges. Where a payment plan has been entered into and maintained, penalty interest on the overdue amount is not charged.
If you would like to discuss a payment plan, please contact Customer Services on 5320 5500.