ACT Pensioner Rates Rebate: Eligibility and How to Apply

Who Qualifies for the ACT Pensioner Rates Rebate

The ACT pensioner rates rebate gives eligible homeowners a 50% reduction on their general rates, capped at $750 per year. It also includes a separate $133 rebate on the Police, Fire and Emergency Services Levy.

To qualify, you need to meet three conditions:

1. Hold an eligible concession card. The ACT Revenue Office accepts a Pensioner Concession Card issued by Services Australia (Centrelink), a Pensioner Concession Card from the Department of Veterans' Affairs, or a DVA Veteran Gold Card. A Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Health Care Card, or ACT Seniors Card does not qualify you for the rebate.

2. Own the property. Your name must appear on the Crown Lease or land title. Investment properties, holiday homes, and vacant land are excluded.

3. Live in the property. It must be your principal place of residence. Short medical absences are fine, but permanently moving into aged care while renting the home out will disqualify you.

If your property is jointly owned, the rebate is proportional to the eligible owner's share. A pensioner holding a 50% share as a tenant-in-common with a non-pensioner child receives half the maximum rebate.

How to Apply Through the ACT Revenue Office

Online applications are processed through the ACT Revenue Office. Access Canberra can help with service access and paper-form requests. Here is the process:

Step 1 — Set up an ACT Digital Account. You need one with identity verified to Level 2. Follow the identity-verification instructions and document options currently shown in the online service.

Step 2 — Gather your details. Have your 10-digit Rates Account Number from your most recent rates notice, plus your Centrelink Customer Reference Number or DVA file number.

Step 3 — Submit online. Log into the ACT Revenue Office portal, select the rates concession application, and enter your details. You'll receive a confirmation on screen.

If you cannot manage the online process, paper application forms are available from Access Canberra service centres or by calling the ACT Revenue Office on (02) 6207 0028.

What the Rebate Covers (and What It Doesn't)

The rebate applies to general rates calculated on your property's unimproved land value. It also provides the $133 PFESL rebate.

It does not cover the Safer Families Levy ($70 in 2026/27), waste management charges, or water and sewerage bills from Icon Water. Pensioners can access a separate $800 per year Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate for utility costs.

After Approval: Automatic Renewal

Once approved, the rebate continues each year without you needing to reapply. The ACT Revenue Office runs automated checks against Services Australia and DVA databases. If your concession card status changes, they'll send a notice giving you 28 days to confirm ongoing eligibility.

You must notify the Revenue Office within 30 days if you cancel your concession card, sell or transfer the property, or stop living there as your main home. Failing to report changes can result in back-billing, default interest, and penalty tax of 25% to 75%, depending on the circumstances.

One Thing Worth Knowing About Timing

Rebates cannot be backdated to previous financial years. If you've held a concession card for years but only apply now, you'll receive the rebate from the current financial year forward — nothing for the years you missed. That makes applying early in the financial year (after the July rates notice arrives) the best approach.

For a complete walkthrough covering the application, renewal tracking, co-ownership calculations, and the deferral option, the ACT Rates Rebate and Deferral Guide covers every step with printable worksheets.

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