Pensioner subsidy & concession

What support is available for me?

Approved pensioners who are owner occupiers or life tenants by way of a valid Will and who 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.

In addition, pensioners deemed eligible for the State Government Subsidy may also be entitled to the Council Pensioner Concession of up to $320 per annum (2024–2025), increasing to $335 per annum in 2025–2026.

Am I eligible?

To qualify, you must 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.

You must also be the owner of a property within the Cairns Regional Council area, either solely, jointly, or as a life tenant through a valid Will, and the property must be your principal place of residence.

How do I apply?

You only need to apply if you are a new applicant or if your circumstances have changed.

To do so, complete the online application form at the bottom of this page and attach a copy of your pension card, front and back, for all applicants.

The concession will start from the date Council receives your application and cannot be backdated.

For more details about the State Government subsidy, visit the Queensland Government website. Please also see Council’s Pension Concession Policy ( PDF, 0.23 MB ) for the full terms and conditions.

Please visit our Customer Service Centre to request a physical form.