If you are unable to pay your rates and charges due to financial hardship, the City offers support to help you manage your rates.
We understand that financial difficulties can be short term or ongoing, and we’re committed to working with you to find a suitable solution. Our approach is fair, flexible, and confidential, and we’re here to help you through this time.
The City will work with the ratepayer to review their financial position and if approved, the City will cease charging interest or penalties on overdue accounts and suspend any debt recovery within an agreed upon timeframe.
Contact a Rates Team on (08) 9205 8555 or email Rates@stirling.wa.gov.au for more information or discuss your current situation further.
How a Financial Counsellor can help
A qualified Financial Counsellor offers free, independent and confidential support. They can:
- Help you understand and prioritise debts, including rates and utility bills
- Assist with budgeting and managing household expenses
- Negotiate payment arrangements or hardship options with creditors on your behalf
- Explain your rights and available financial assistance
- Connect you with other support services if needed, such as Emergency Relief and Food Access Service, HUGS, State Government Crisis payments.
Financial Counsellors do not charge fees and do not sell financial products.
Get support
If you’re finding it hard to pay your rates, please contact us as early as possible. We can discuss flexible payment options and refer you to a free financial counselling service.
You do not have to manage this alone, support is available.
How to access a Financial Counsellor in Perth
You can access free financial counselling through:
- Community organisations such as Anglicare WA, Uniting WA, and Centrecare
- The Financial Wellbeing Collective (multiple Perth metro locations)
- The National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 (phone or online chat).
Click on the City’s hardship policy link below to view resources you may find useful.
Should you wish to apply, you can submit your application digitally.
City of Stirling Online Services - Terms and Conditions
If you are unable to pay any of the payment options on your rate notice due to financial hardship, you can apply for a payment arrangement.
A special payment arrangement has a $32.45 administration fee and penalty interest will accrue daily on the balance of the overdue account until it is fully paid.
Please note pensioners and seniors are not charged an administration fee when setting up a payment arrangement.
FAQs
Financial hardship occurs when you are unable to pay your rates without it affecting your ability to meet essential living expenses for yourself or your dependants.
Circumstances that may be considered include loss of employment or income, illness or recovery from illness, low income, or unexpected caring responsibilities.
Yes. If you are unable to pay due to experiencing genuine financial hardship, you may apply to defer rates and charges, either in part or in full, for a period of up to 12 months. Supporting evidence of your circumstances will be required.
No. Interest will not be charged on overdue amounts that are covered by a payment arrangement, provided the arrangement is maintained.
Legal action will be put on hold for the period the financial hardship is granted (3 months)
Applications can be submitted via the following link.
Login to property owners account
To be eligible, applicants must reside in the property as their primary place of residence; properties that are rented out or used for investment purposes are not eligible. Pensioners and seniors are not eligible for this program, as the City already provides concessions, including the suspension of legal action and no interest charged on the Emergency Services Levy (ESL) and rates.
