Can I apply for a Concession?

The Shire of Narrogin supports eligible pensioners and seniors by offering rebates and deferments on rates and emergency services levies, in accordance with the Rates and Charges (Rebates and Deferments) Act 1995, and the Council Policy Manual.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be entitled to a rebate or deferment if you:

  • Own and occupy the property as your ordinary place of residence; and
  • Hold one or more of the following valid concession cards:
    • Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card
    • State Concession Card
    • Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and WA Seniors Card
    • WA Seniors Card (eligible for partial rebate only)

Important: If you already receive a pensioner or senior concession but your property use has changed (e.g., started a farm business), please contact the Shire’s Rates Officer to ensure your concession is correctly apportioned, at enquiries@narrogin.wa.gov.au. 

You are required to complete an application form and provide proof of your concession card(s) to the Water Corporation online at www.watercorporation.com.au or telephone 1300 659 951.

If you became an eligible pensioner/senior during the Rating year, you may be eligible for a pro-rata rebate or deferment. For further information contact the Rates Department on 9890 0900.

How Much Is the Rebate?

If you are eligible:

  • Pensioners may be eligible for a concession of up to 50% (capped at a maximum amount of $750) or elect to defer the payment of your Rates.

  • Seniors (WA Seniors Card holders only) may be eligible for a concession of up to 25% (capped at a maximum amount of $100).

Deferment of rates may also be available in some cases — please check with us for eligibility conditions.

Special Provisions for Commercial and Farming Properties

If your property is used partly for residential purposes (such as your home) and partly for commercial or farming activities (e.g., a farm or business), you may still qualify for a partial concession.

The Shire applies the following method:

  • The portion of your property used solely for residential purposes (up to a maximum of 2 hectares) is assessed.

  • Your rates are apportioned based on the proportion of residential area to total land area.

  • The rebate is then calculated on that residential portion only.

Example: If your property is 60 hectares, but only 2 hectares are used for your home:

  • Rates payable = $2,000

  • Residential portion = (2 ÷ 60) × $2,000 = $66.67

  • 50% pensioner rebate = $33.34 off your rates.

If the residential area cannot be precisely determined, the Shire will apply an arbitrary maximum of 2 hectares for calculating your concession.

Important Information

  • Deferments are not available if you have a mortgage or other encumbrance on your property unless the mortgagee consents.

  • Rates must be paid in full by 30 June each year to claim the full rebate entitlement.

  • Rebates may be subject to adjustments if eligibility status changes during the rating year.

FAQs

    1. What if I sell or move during the year?

    You must notify the Shire as soon as possible via enquiries@narrogin.wa.gov.au or (08) 9890 0900. Your rebate may be adjusted depending on the date of the change.

    2. I just live in my home — do I need to worry about land use or calculations?

    No. If your property is simply your home, your concession will apply based on your eligibility. Special calculations only apply if part of the property is used for business or farming.

    3. How do I apply for a concession?

    Complete a simple application form (Rates Exemption Application (FCCS016)) and provide your concession card details. We will verify your eligibility through Centrelink and property ownership through Landgate.

    4. Do I have to reapply every year?

    No. Once your concession is approved, it remains in place unless your circumstances change. Please let us know immediately if your eligibility changes, via enquiries@narrogin.wa.gov.au or (08) 9890 0900.

    5. Can I defer my rates instead of claiming a rebate?

    Possibly. Eligible pensioners may defer payment of their rates and Emergency Services Levy if there is no mortgage or other restrictions on the property. Contact us to check your eligibility, at enquiries@narrogin.wa.gov.au or (08) 9890 0900.

    6. What happens if my property has farming or business activity as well?

    If part of your property is used for farming or business, your rebate will only apply to the part of the land used as your home (up to 2 hectares). We will help you with the calculations.