Rates and property

Municipal rates concession

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Victorian home owners with eligible concession cards can claim a deduction on council rates.

What does this concession apply to?

Council rates (on the card holder’s principal residence).

Who can apply for the concession?

A ratepayer who holds one of the following eligible cards:

  • Pensioner Concession Card
  • Veterans' Affairs Gold Card (given for TPI, War Widow, EDA or POW).

How much is the concession?

50 per cent deduction on council rates up to a yearly maximum of $259.50 for 2024-25.

Calculation examples

The concession is calculated at 50 per cent of the municipal rates and charges up to a maximum amount each financial year. In 2024-25, the maximum is $259.50.

Example 1: 

  • 2024-25 municipal rates and charges = $400. 50 per cent of rate amount = $200, therefore the concession amount is $200.

Example 2:

  • 2024-25 municipal rates and charges = $800. 50 per cent of rate amount = $400, which is above the maximum amount, therefore the concession is the maximum of $259.50.

How do I apply for the concession?

Pensioners and holders of Veterans' Affairs Gold Cards given for TPI or War Widow

Phone your local council for an application form or download one below, see Related resources. Complete the form and send it to your local council. 

Your local council will check your concession card details with Centrelink and apply the concession to your bill.

Holders of Veterans' Affairs Gold Cards given for EDA or POW

Phone the Concessions information line on 1800 658 521 (toll free) for an application form or download one below, see Related resources. Complete the form and send it to this department at the address listed on the form.

We will check your concession card details with Centrelink and provide the concession as a rebate.

More information

Phone your council or the Concessions information line.

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  • Calculation examples

    The concession is calculated at 50% of the municipal rates and charges up to a maximum amount each financial year. In 2021-22, the maximum is $247.00.

    Example 1

    2021-22 municipal rates and charges = $400.

    50% of rate amount = $200, therefore the concession amount is $200.

    Example 2

    2020-21 municipal rates and charges = $800.

    50% of rate amount = $400, which is above the maximum amount, therefore the concession is the maximum of $247.00.

  • Why do holders of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Cards for EDA and POW have to apply separately?

    The legislation relating to the Municipal Rates Concession does not allow councils to give concessions to holders of these cards.

    The Victorian Government provides this concession directly to these cardholders, so that they do not miss out.

  • Why isn’t this concession available to Health Care Card holders?

    The rates concession provides financial support to pensioners who want to continue to live in their family home. Pensioners often find it difficult to afford rates bills because they generally rely on government income payments for a much longer period than the recipients of other payment types.

  • Is there a concession on the Fire Services Property Levy?

    Yes. Property owners already receiving the Municipal Rates Concession from their councils will automatically receive a concession of $50 on their Fire Services Property Levy assessment.

    Cardholders should check their rates notice and contact their local council with any queries.

    For more information about the Fires Services Property Levy visit the fire levy website.

Contacts
Concessions information line
1800 658 521
concessions@dffh.vic.gov.au

Phone your local council, or the Victorian Concessions Information Line.