Council provides rebates and concessions to eligible pensioners who own and live in a rateable property.
 

Pension Discount - Rates and Charges 

• Eligible pensioners can receive a rebate of up to $250 per financial year on their Rates and Charges. This rebate is jointly funded - 45% by Council (costing $1 million annually) and 55% by the NSW Government. The rebate amount is fixed and does not increase with inflation or rate changes. 

• Once approved, eligible pensioners will have the rebate automatically applied to their Rates and Charges Notice each year, provided eligibility remains unchanged.

For more details, refer to our Debt Management and Hardship Policy. 

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify as an “eligible pensioner” under State legislation, you must:

• Hold a current Pensioner Concession Card issued by Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs (check with relevant department).

• Own the property (solely or jointly) for which you are claiming the rebate.

• Use the property as your sole or principal residence.

Please notify Council immediately if your eligibility changes. If it changes during the rating year, your instalments will be adjusted accordingly.

How to Apply

Submit the below form, along with a copy of the front and back of your Pensioner Concession Card.

• By email: mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au. 

• By mail: Georges River Council, PO Box 205, Hurstville BC NSW 1481.

• In person: Visit our Hurstville or Kogarah Customer Service Centre (details at the bottom of this page).

​Joint ownership - If the property is jointly owned by a couple with their listed on the same Pensioner Concession Card, both owners should complete the form.

Pensioner Rates Rebate Application form
 

How the Pension Rebate is Calculated

The rebate amount received depends on:

• The portion of the property you own. and

• The date you became an eligible pensioner, as shown in the table below. (Section 575, LG Act)

Date of Pensioner Concession Card	Rebate entitlement for the financial year
Before 1 July of financial year	Full rebate
Before 1 October	75% rebate
Before 1 January	50% rebate
Before 1 April	25% rebate
Between 1 April to 30 June	No rebate

 

Backdating of Pension Rebate

You may claim a rebate up to 12 months prior to your application date, provided eligibility is confirmed for that period.
 

Termination of Pension Rebate

The rebate will end if the eligible pensioner no longer meets the eligibility criteria, passes away or the property is sold. Any rebate granted for the remaining part of the financial year will be reversed and owed to Council, based on the number of full quarters remaining.
 

Additional financial assistance 

Hardship Assistance	Council offers support for customers facing financial hardship, including: Interest-free extensions Interest-free payment plans You can still apply for hardship assistance even if you receive a pensioner rebate. Visit our Payment plans and hardship assistance page for more information and to apply.
Extra Support for Pensioners	Eligible pensioners may also: Pay rates in monthly instalments at no extra cost Defer payment until the property is sold, without penalty interest Contact Council to begin your application for additional assistance.