If you are a pension or senior and hold an eligible concession card, you may be entitled to rebate concession or defer your rates. These benefits only apply to the home you live in (your principal place of residence).
Help with your rates
Rebates – reduce what you pay now
- Pensioners may receive up to 50% off your rates (capped at $750 for the 2025-26 year), Emergency Services Levy (ESL) and underground power charges.
- Seniors may receive up to 25% off your rates Icappied at $100 for the 2025-26 year), Emergency Services Levy (ESL) and underground power charges.
The rebate is applied directly to your bill once your application has been processed.
If you become eligible after 1 July, a partial rebate may apply from the date you register. To make sure the rebate can be claimed, you are requried to pay your rates by 15 June each year.
Deferments – delay payment until later
If you are a full pensioner and even with the rebate it is difficult to pay your rates, you may be able to defer them.
This means you do not need to pay your current year’s rates, ESL and underground power charges while you are living in your home. The balance is placed on hold and only becomes payable when you sell your property or move out. No penalty interest is charged.
Only full pensioners can defer. Seniors and part pensioners are not eligible.
Who can apply
You may qualify if you are:
- A pensioner with either a:
- Pensioner Concession Card, or
- State Concession Card, or
- WA Seniors Card together with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- A senior with a WA Seniors Card issued by the Office of Seniors Interests.
If you hold both a WA Seniors Card and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, you are entitled to the same concessions as pensioners.
Rebates and deferments can only be claimed on your home. They cannot be used for investment properties or holiday homes.
How to apply
All applications for rebates and deferments must go through the Water Corporation, even if you are not a Water Corporation customer.
Apply for a concession online through the Water Corporation’s website, or call 1300 659 951 for assistance.
Note:
- If you are a senior or part pensioner, you will be registered for a rebate.
- If you are a full pensioner, you will be registered for a rebate and may also choose to defer your rates.
- Once your application is processed, your details are sent to the City and the rebate or deferment will be applied to your rates account.
Frequently asked questions