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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Self-Funded Retiree?

A self-funded retiree is a retiree who is not in receipt of a Commonwealth pension or allowance that is paid by Centrelink or Department of Veterans Affairs. They must also be the holder of a South Australian State Seniors Card.

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What concessions are available to Self-Funded Retirees and others?

Click here to access the online concessions finder tool on the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion website.

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Am I eligible?

Certain criteria must be met in order to receive a council rate concession. Please refer to the eligibility criteria page for further information.

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I believe I'm eligible for the concession. What do I do now?

Firstly, you should check your council rate notice to see whether a concession has already been applied in the calculation of the amount payable. If there is no existing concession, an application form can be downloaded from this site or posted to you by RevenueSA (Ph: 1300 366 150). Completed applications are to be forwarded to RevenueSA. If eligible, a re-imbursement cheque will be sent to you. RevenueSA will then inform your council of your eligibility so that a concession can be automatically applied to the calculation of your rates for future years.

How do I apply for a South Australian State Seniors Card?

See State Seniors Card Information page.

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Where do I send my application?

Applications can be submitted by one of the following methods:

  • post: RevenueSA, Property Services, GPO Box 1647 Adelaide SA 5001;
  • fax: to (08) 8207 2141; or
  • email to revsacouncil@sa.gov.au (providing the completed application has been scanned to include the signature of the applicant).

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Can I submit my application over the Internet?

No. Applications must be submitted by one of the above methods.

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Do I have to apply for the concession every year?

Provided that your circumstances do not change, you are only required to apply once. If eligible, the first year you receive a council rate concession it will be paid in the form of a cheque issued directly to you from RevenueSA. Your council rates notice will not be re-issued and should still be paid in accordance with the due date shown on the notice.

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I live in a Retirement Village. Can I apply for a concession?

If you live in an Independent Living Unit and you pay the council rates as part of an ongoing maintenance fee, then you may be entitled to a concession, subject to meeting other eligibility criteria. However, if you pay rental and live in a Serviced Apartment, you would not be eligible for the concession.

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I don't own my home but I am responsible to pay the council rates. Can I apply for the concession?

You may be eligible. However, entitlement is dependant upon a range of occupier criteria specified in Schedule 1 of the Rates and Land Tax Remission Regulations 2009. If in doubt, submit an application and RevenueSA will advise you of your eligibility.

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I've moved house. How do I get the concession on my new property?

You should advise RevenueSA, either by completing a Change of Residence Advice form or writing to RevenueSA, Property Services, GPO Box 1647, Adelaide SA 5001. If writing to RevenueSA, your correspondence should include details of both properties, the date that you changed residence and your contact details.

You will only be entitled to a concession on your new property for the current financial year if you reside there as at the first due date of the current council rates notice and you haven't been granted a concession on your previous residence for the same year. If a concession is granted following your application, a cheque will be sent to you directly by RevenueSA. In future years, the concession will appear as a reduction on your council rates notice.

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Can I get the concession on more than one property?

No. The concession is only available for your principal place of residence.

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What is the cut-off date for eligibility?

You must meet all of the eligibility criteria as at the first due date of the full payment advice or due date of the first instalment advice of your council rates notice.

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I became eligible for the concession after the due date of the council rates notice. Can I still get a concession for this financial year?

No. You can apply for a concession at any time from this point forward, but your concession will not apply until next financial year or via email.

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What do I do if my circumstances change?

You should advise RevenueSA in writing, explaining the change in circumstances. Written correspondence can be sent to RevenueSA, Property Services, GPO Box 1647, Adelaide SA 5001.

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Can I apply for the concession for previous years?

RevenueSA can backdate the Self-Funded Retiree Council Rate Concession (for the previous financial year only) if you did not already receive a concession on your council rates notice and you met the eligibility criteria. To apply for the previous financial year, enclose a letter highlighting your request with the Application Form.

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I have received a refund cheque but my council doesn’t know I am a Self-Funded Retiree?

RevenueSA will inform your council of your eligibility for the next rating period each year during the month of June. If you have received a refund cheque from RevenueSA, your council will not have a record of your concession for that rating period, and your council rates should still be paid in accordance with the due date shown on the notice.

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This page was last reviewed 2 December, 2011