Financial hardship assistance

Our Financial Hardship Assistance Policy(PDF, 535KB) offers alternative payment options to provide some relief to ratepayers who are experiencing genuine financial hardship. Council will assess eligibility based on the information provided on the application form and may request documented proof or further information from the applicant.

Alternatively, you can contact National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 to speak with a financial counsellor who can contact Council on your behalf.

Online

Step 1.Gather your documents

In order for Council to determine eligibility for financial hardship assistance, all owners of the property are required to complete a financial hardship assistance application.

You will need to provide the following supporting documentation:

  • Two copies of pay advice for all sources of income or a Centrelink Statement for all sources of income
  • Three months of current bank statements from all accounts held in your name
  • Current mortgage statement
  • Copies of any other outgoing payments that may support your application.

Council will only review this application if all information is provided. For further advice on what to submit, contact our Debt Management Officers on 02 4921 0377, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Our officers will confirm in writing if your application has been successful.

Step 2.Apply

Once you have gathered your documents, you can apply online for financial hardship assistance.  You will need to upload electronic versions of the required documentation in order to complete your application.

In person

Step 1.Gather your documents

In order for Council to determine eligibility for financial hardship assistance, all owners of the property are required to complete a financial hardship assistance form.

You will need to provide the following supporting documentation:

  • Two copies of pay advice for all sources of income or a Centrelink Statement for all sources of income
  • Three months of current bank statements from all accounts held in your name
  • Current mortgage statement
  • Copies of any other outgoing payments that may support your application.

Council will only review this application if all information is provided. For further advice on what to submit, contact our Debt Management Officers on 02 4921 0377, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Our officers will confirm in writing if your application has been successful.

Step 2.Visit us

Once you have gathered your documents, visit our Customer Service Centre from Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm, where we will help you complete you application online.