Pensioner subsidy & concession

Cairns Regional Council invites pensioner ratepayers who are NOT currently receiving a rate subsidy from the State Government to lodge an application for the rate subsidy at the Cairns Regional Council’s business offices.

Approved pensioners who are owner occupiers or life tenant by way of a valid Will and meet all other eligibility requirements, may be entitled to a 20% State Government subsidy on rates and charges levied by Council up to a maximum of $200 per annum.

Pensioners who qualify for the State subsidy are those who:

• hold a current Queensland ‘Pensioner Concession Card’ or a Queensland ‘Repatriation Health Card – For all Conditions’ (Gold Card) issued by Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs; and
• are the OWNER/S OR LIFE TENANT (either solely or jointly) of the property within the boundaries of the Cairns Regional Council which is their principal place of residence.

Details of the State Government subsidy can be found at: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/rates-subsidy

Pensioners deemed eligible for the State Government subsidy may also be entitled to the Council Pensioner Concession of $300 per annum.

Please refer to Council's Pension Concession Policy ( PDF, 0.22 MB ) for details. The Council Pensioner Concession will only apply if all owners meet the eligibility requirements.

Only new applicants or those whose circumstances have changed need apply. All applications for the Council Pensioner Concession must be in writing on the prescribed form ( PDF, 0.22 MB ) and can be lodged at any Council office.

The Council Pensioner Concession will commence from the date the application is submitted to Council and will not be applied retrospectively.

Please note when applying for the pensioner rate subsidy and/or concession, you must include a copy of the relevant pension card (front and back) for all applicants.