Late rates payments
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Financial stress or hardship
If you are experiencing financial stress, please submit a payment plan or extension request at the bottom of this page.
Alternatively, if you experiencing severe financial hardship, please download and complete our Financial Hardship Application form (DOC 207Kb), and email it to ratescontact@merri-bek.vic.gov.au with your supporting documents attached.
To discuss further, please contact the Revenue Services Unit at ratescontact@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or phone 9240-1111
Grants to make energy-saving upgrades to your home
If you own your home and live on a low income, we are offering grants so you can make energy-saving upgrades to your home that will reduce your electricity bills. You can find out how we're supporting low-income earners to improve their homes and reduce their bills on our Zero Carbon Merri-bek website.
Rates arrears
Rates arrears are outstanding amounts from previous years. Arrears shown on your annual rates notice must be paid immediately, unless a payment plan, extension or deferral has been approved.
Arrears may be subject to interest or legal action without further notice.
Penalty interest on late payments
When you pay your rates and charges, it is essential that your payment is received by the due date. You can find out more about due dates on our Pay you rates page. Interest may be charged on the overdue amount if your instalment is not paid by the due date.
The interest rate for the 2023-24 rating period is 10% per annum. This interest rate is fixed under Section 2 of the 'Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983'.
Payment Plans
If you are experiencing difficulties paying your rates by the legislated due dates, please enter into a payment plan by completing the 'Late rates payments plan form' at the bottom of this page.
With BPAY, you can make one-off or schedule recurring payments on a date that suits you. You just need to make sure you have funds available in your account on the scheduled date. BPAY details are on your rate notice.
Some payment plans are managed by our collection agent, Recoveries and Reconstructions.
Instalment Extensions
Council offers instalment extensions of up to 4 weeks. To apply, complete the 'Late rates payments plan form' at the bottom of this page.
Rate Deferrals
3-month Rate Deferrals are only accepted in exceptional circumstances, in line with our Hardship Policy. Council may consider deferrals, but they must not exceed 3 months.
To apply for a deferral you must download and complete our Financial Hardship Application form (DOC 207Kb), and email it to ratescontact@merri-bek.vic.gov.au with your supporting documents attached.
Rates support information in your language
If you need in-language information about rates support, look through the documents below: