General News
11 June, 2025
Rates subsidy for older residents
DOUGLAS Shire Council is inviting pensioner ratepayers who are not currently receiving a rate subsidy from the state government on their half yearly rate notice to lodge an application for the discount with the council.
A council spokesman said approved pensioners, who were owner-occupiers or life tenant by way of a valid will and met all other eligibility requirements, might be entitled to a 20 per cent state government subsidy on rates and charges levied by the council up to a maximum of $200 a year.
He said pensioners who might qualify for the rate subsidy must be the holder(s) of one of the following Queensland cards issued by Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs:
Centrelink pension concession card
Department of Veterans’ Affairs pension concession card
Department of Veterans’ Affairs, repatriation health card – full conditions only (cold card)
and were the owner/s or life tenant (either solely or jointly) of the property within the boundaries of the council and such property was their principal place of residence.
“Pensioners deemed eligible for the state government subsidy may also be entitled to the council pensioner remission of 40 per cent of the general rate up to a maximum amount of $1350 per annum,” the spokesman said.
“Only new applicants or those whose circumstances have changed need apply. All applications for the pensioner rate subsidy/remission must be in writing on the prescribed ‘remission and subsidy of rates by pensioner owner or life tenant application form’ and be lodged at council offices. A copy of the council’s rates pensioner remission police can be found on our website.
“Please note when applying for the rate subsidy/remission, applications are to be submitted with a copy of the relevant pension card (front and back) for all applicants.”
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