Seniors Discounts & Services In Wellington - Wellington City Council

Rates
Rates Rebate – ph 499 4444
The rates rebate scheme is a “refund” administered by Wellington City Council to lowincome
ratepayers. The rebate is credited against the rate account. This is a
Government-organised scheme controlled by the Department of Internal Affairs and
administered by the Council.
It is designed to assist low-income ratepayers with paying their rates. The scheme has
been in place since 1973. However, last year the Government announced some proposed
changes to the scheme to allow more people to become eligible.
Major changes came into effect from 1 July 2006, the beginning of the 2006-2007 rating
year.
� But from 1 July 2008 the maximum rebate amount payable has increased to $530.
� And the income threshold has increased to $21,180 a year and is increased by
$500 for each dependent in the household (if you earn over $21,180 and without
dependents you could still be eligible so you should contact the rates team).
� Applicants can only qualify for a rebate for the current year – previously they have
been able to apply for past years, but this is no longer the case.
� The rebate amount will show as a lump sum payment against the account and will
credit the instalment 2 amount (in the past the amount has been divided across all
remaining instalments). You need to ensure your first instalment is paid.
� The rates rebate is available to residential ratepayers only.
� The owner/ratepayer must have ownership of the house since 1 July 2006 (e.g. if
they bought the house on 10 July they will not be eligible as it covers the entire
rating year).
� The application needs to be approved by the Department of Internal Affairs – this
can take up to four weeks.
Contact us here at WCC (ph 499 4444) and we will send an application form to you, or you
can download one from the Department of Internal Affairs website,
www.ratesrebates.govt.nz. This website will also give you access to additional rates
information.
Short and Long Term Accommodation
If you have a housing need and are on a low income or Work and Income benefit, some of
the agencies listed below offer low-cost housing and may be able to assist.
Capital City Lodge – ph 939 7992
Fax: 939 7992
Address: 82-88 Hanson Street, Newtown
Email: nick@capitalcity.co.nz
Information: This is a boarding house/lodge charging weekly rent. People staying for less
than four weeks pay more. Phone Linen Power, breakfast and dinner are included in the
cost.
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