ACT Rates Changes 2026-27: What Pensioners Need to Know
What Changed for 2026/27
The ACT Budget updated several rates parameters for the financial year starting 1 July 2026. Here is what matters if you're a pensioner or older homeowner in the ACT.
The Health Levy is gone. The $250 Health Levy introduced on rateable properties in 2025/26 has been removed for 2026/27. That charge is no longer on your rates notice.
The PFESL went up. The Police, Fire and Emergency Services Levy for residential properties increased from $426 to $458. The pensioner rebate on this levy stays at $133, so the net cost after the rebate is $325 — up from $293 last year.
The Safer Families Levy increased. It rose from $60 to $70. No concession applies to this levy for any ratepayer.
The Certificate of Rates fee increased. If you're selling and need a Certificate of Rates, Land Tax and Other Charges, the fee is now $148 (up from $143). This matters mainly for property settlements where deferred rates need to be disclosed.
What Stayed the Same
The general rates rebate cap is still $750. Eligible pensioners still receive a 50% reduction on general rates, capped at $750 per year. This figure has held steady across recent budgets.
The PFESL rebate is still $133. The fixed rebate amount didn't change, even though the underlying levy increased.
The 75% equity requirement for deferral is unchanged. Self-funded retirees aged 65 or older still need at least 75% equity in their principal residence to qualify for rates deferral without a concession card.
No backdating. The rule that rebates only apply from the financial year you lodge your application hasn't changed. You still can't claim for years you missed.
Net Effect on Pensioner Households
The Health Levy removal offsets most of the PFESL increase. A pensioner who paid both in 2025/26 now pays $458 - $133 = $325 for the PFESL and nothing for the Health Levy, compared to $426 - $133 = $293 for the PFESL plus $250 for the Health Levy last year. That's a net improvement of about $218.
General rates themselves vary by property. The ACT calculates them using a multi-year average unimproved land value, which smooths sudden valuation spikes but means cumulative increases can still be substantial. Local property owners on forums have reported quarterly increases exceeding 15% following revaluations — the rebate cap doesn't scale with those increases.
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What to Do Now
If you're already receiving the pensioner rates rebate, there's nothing to do — it renews automatically. If you've recently turned 65, received a new Pensioner Concession Card or DVA Veteran Gold Card, or moved to a new property in the ACT, apply now through the ACT Revenue Office online portal. The earlier in the financial year you apply, the more quarterly instalments the rebate covers.
The ACT Rates Rebate and Deferral Guide walks through every concession available for the current financial year, with updated figures and worked examples for your specific household situation.
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