Financial Hardship
We understand that sometimes it can be hard to make payments of your rates by the due date. Depending on your circumstances, there are short term and longer-term options that may be able to assist you.
POSTPONEMENT OF RATES
Hardship
Where an application satisfies the requirements for relief from rates due to hardship or extenuating circumstances, the Chief Executive Officer may grant relief in the form of postponement of rates in whole or in part for such period as determined/negotiated.
A hardship postponement will be assessed and determined by either an accredited financial counsellor or through Council’s assessment process. Applications for the relief of rates due to hardship or extenuating circumstances are to be made in writing and accompanied by the appropriate supporting documentation. An initial email should be made Attn: to the CEO via ceo@dckem.sa.gov.au. All such inquiries are treated confidentially.
The remittance of rates raised in whole or part, is not covered by Council Debt Recovery & Financial Hardship Policy and is only possible by way of confidential resolution of Council.
Special Circumstances - Properties Experiencing Adverse Conditions
Council may declare certain types of properties that have been affected by rare or unusual circumstances to be exempt from the usual application process outlined under Hardship in section 4.1 of the Debt Recovery & Financial Hardship Policy. Examples of this type of Special Circumstance include, but are not restricted to, economic downturn or extreme weather events. In such circumstances, ratepayers, subject to providing supporting evidence, may apply to defer rate payments for the properties affected and may do so without interest penalties for up to and including twelve (12) months.
Applications will be assessed, and if approved, the decision will be confirmed in writing to all property owners. If an application is denied, the owner(s) will be informed in writing with reasons for the denial. In such cases, they may request a review of the Council's decision.
Download application form:
Postponement of Rates/Waiving of Fines and Interest Special Circumstances Properties Adverse Conditions
For further information please see Council’s Debt Recovery & Financial Hardship Policy, or for a confidential discussion please contact the Chief Executive Officer on 8578 1004 or via ceo@dckem.sa.gov.a