Help with payment

Having difficulty paying your rates bill?illustration of a person thinking about their home

We understand that financial challenges can arise at any time. To help ease the burden, we offer a range of options to suit your needs. 

Rest assured, as long as you follow the agreed schedule, no interest will be added to your payment plan or extension.

Here are some options to consider:

Direct Debits

You can choose to pay your rates in monthly or quarterly direct debit payments.

Payments are processed on the last day of the month (from September to May) or the next working day if this day falls on a non-working day.

Request direct debit

We will notify you of the payment amounts and dates in writing after we receive your application.

One-Off Payment Extensions

If life throws you a curveball, we offer extensions to help you manage your payments.

Send us an email at info@surfcoast.vic.gov.au with your proposed extension date and we will be in touch to discuss.

Tailored Payment Plans

We can create a personalised payment schedule based on your needs.

Apply for a payment plan

Pensioner rebates

If you have a valid Pensioner Concession Card or an eligible Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold Card, you can get a concession for a rebate of up to $259.50 on your rates and $50.00 on your Fire Services Property Levy.

This only applies to eligible pensioners who live within the Surf Coast Shire. It does not apply to Health Care Card holders.

Apply for this Concession

Bring your concession card to our Customer Service Staff or download the application form(PDF, 148KB).

Please note:

  • Applications can be made at any time during the financial year.
  • You must be a permanent resident of the property for which you are seeking the rebate.

 

Deferrals for low-income earners

Low income ratepayers and cardholders of one of the following cards:

  • Pensioner Concession card
  • Health Care card
  • Commonwealth Seniors card
  • Department of Veterans Affairs card
  • Repatriation card

may apply to defer rate payments if you are experiencing financial hardship.

Rate deferment application form

Get in touch – we’re here to help

If you want more information, please reach out to us and we can confidentially discuss your alternative payment arrangement options

  • Use this online form to apply for a payment extension, set up a tailored payment plan, or arrange a direct debit.
  • Email your request to us at info@surfcoast.vic.gov.au.
  • Call us on 03 5261 0600 to talk to Council's Revenue department.

Download our Hardship Policy(PDF, 267KB)

Download our External Support Providers - Hardship(PDF, 124KB)

Council may recover outstanding rates and charges owed in the Magistrates’ Court or by taking action to recover the debt.  These legal charges will be added to ratepayers unpaid rates and charges.

Click to view magistrate court scale of costs 

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