Why a Health Care Card Doesn't Qualify for WA Rates Concessions

The Short Answer: HCC Holders Are Not Eligible

If you hold a Commonwealth Health Care Card and assumed it would get you a discount on your council rates or water bill in Western Australia, you are not alone — and you are not eligible. The Rates and Charges (Rebates and Deferments) Act 1992 restricts concessions to three card types: the Pensioner Concession Card, the State Concession Card, and the WA Seniors Card. The Health Care Card is not on that list, regardless of your income level or circumstances.

This catches many low-income West Australians off guard. Community discussions on forums like r/perth show the frustration clearly, with one verified Water Corporation employee explaining that the concession "doesn't come from the entity itself; it's a state government rebate" and recommending HCC holders speak to Centrelink about upgrading to a Pensioner Concession Card.

Which Cards Actually Qualify

The three cards that unlock WA rates concessions each come with different rebate levels for the 2026/27 rating year:

• Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) — 50% off council rates (capped at $750), 50% off water service charges (capped at $600), plus rate deferral rights
• State Concession Card (SCC) — same 50% rebates and deferral rights as PCC holders
• WA Seniors Card only — 25% off council rates (capped at $100), 25% off water charges (capped at $100), no deferral

If you also hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card alongside your WA Seniors Card, the combination unlocks the full 50% tier — the same caps as PCC holders.

How to Upgrade from an HCC

The most direct route from a Health Care Card to rates concession eligibility runs through Centrelink. You may qualify for a Pensioner Concession Card if you receive the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, or certain other income support payments. Contact Services Australia on 13 23 00 to check whether your current payments qualify you for a PCC.

If you are aged 65 or older and a Western Australian resident, you can apply separately for a WA Seniors Card through the WA Seniors Card Centre on 1800 671 233. Holding a WA Seniors Card alone gives you the 25% tier. Pairing it with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card — available through Centrelink to self-funded retirees who pass the income test — pushes you to the 50% tier.

What HCC Holders Can Still Access

While the Health Care Card does not unlock rates or water service concessions, it does provide access to other benefits in Western Australia, including discounts on public transport, cheaper pharmaceutical prescriptions, and energy assistance credits through Synergy. Eligible households with an active concession card registered with Synergy can receive annual electricity credits.

For council rates specifically, though, there is no partial concession or alternative pathway for HCC holders under the current legislation.

Struggling to Pay Your Rates?

If your rates bill is causing genuine financial stress and you cannot upgrade to an eligible card, your local council may still be able to help under its hardship policy. Councils can consider interest-free payment plans or a temporary pause on legal recovery under their own policies; section 6.47 of the Local Government Act 1995 allows a council, by absolute-majority resolution, to waive a rate or service charge or grant another concession. Contact your shire's rates team directly.

For free, confidential financial counselling, call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

If you hold an eligible card and want step-by-step help registering for the concession you are entitled to, the WA Rates Concessions Guide walks through the entire application process, the caps, and how card combinations affect your rebate.

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