Pensioner Council Rate Rebates

What are pensioner council rate rebates?

• Pensioners who own or are buying their homes will receive a rebate on their council rates, as well as one for each of water and sewerage rates.

• You are eligible for these rebates if you hold either a Centrelink of Department of Veterans Affairs Pensioner Concession Card.

• You will not receive rebates if you live in a caravan park.

How much is the rebate?

• The level of the rebate will depend on your circumstances. However, it is capped at $250 for basic rate costs.

• The rebate limit has stayed the same since 1993, despite the fact that council rates have increased.

• If you are serviced by Sydney or Hunter Water (they service most of the greater Sydney area) then you will receive a 50% discount on water costs.

• In other areas, where you receive water from the local council, the rebate on waste rates varies, but is capped at $87.50. This cap has been the same since 1993. The situation is the same for sewerage rates.

• This means that some customers receive a rebate that rises alongside the cost of water, whereas other customers do not.

• You also receive a rebate on the cost of your electricity and gas bills. This is called the Pensioner Energy Rebate. This is a rebate of $112 a year and it is shown on your energy bill.

How do I receive the rebate?

• To apply for council rate rebates, you must present to your council a rates notice and a pensioner concession card, both of which list the same address.

• To receive the pensioner energy rebate you should contact your electricity supplier.

Contact details

Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association (CPSA)
Level 9 28 Foveaux Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010
Phone 9281 3588
Fax 9281 9716