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If you are experiencing genuine financial hardship and are unable to pay your rates on time, Council may be able to help.
Council supports residential and business ratepayers who are experiencing temporary or ongoing financial difficulty. Assistance may include:
- Agreed payment arrangements with weekly, fortnightly, or monthly instalments
- Temporary deferral of rates for an agreed short-term period
- Interest reversal, in limited circumstances where genuine hardship is demonstrated
If your situation changes and you can no longer meet your agreed payments, please contact Council as soon as possible so we can review and adjust your arrangement.
Pensioner Concessions
Pensioner Concessions may also be available to eligible ratepayers. These concessions can reduce your rates and charges if you meet the eligibility criteria.
To view the types of pensioner concessions available and eligibility requirements, please visit:
Rates rebates for eligible pensioners page
Important Information
Hardship assistance does not reduce the amount of rates or annual charges. Council cannot waive, discount, or reduce rates, as there are no provisions under the Local Government Act 1993 that allow for this. Any reductions can only occur through the available Pensioner Concessions.
How do I apply?
Complete the hardship application form and submit:
- By email to council@innerwest.nsw.gov.au
- By Post
Attention: Rates Manager, Inner West Council
PO Box 14, Petersham, NSW 2049
If you are unable to access the PDF/Microsoft Word form, please contact our Customer Service Team on 02 9392 5000 who can arrange to post the application form to you.