Financial Hardship Assistance

Monash ratepayers can apply to Council for assistance relating to any unpaid rates or other charges, under Council's Financial Hardship Policy.

Hardship Policy

The policy also applies in cases of financial hardship where homelessness has been cited as a “necessitous circumstance” for not paying Council-imposed fines, such as parking fines.

Financial Hardship Policy(PDF, 15MB)

The policy was introduced in 2015 and later updated in September 2016 to ensure that:

  • Eligible pensioners over the age of 65 who have lived in their home for more than 10 years are not charged any interest on deferred rates
  • The interest rate charged for other people qualifying under the policy is reduced to 2.5% (much lower than the 10% standard set by the State Government).

 

Application Form and Assessment Process

People must request assistance from Council in writing, providing full details of the circumstances preventing them from meeting their financial obligations to Council. 

If you would like to speak to us prior to making your application, please call Council on 9518 3555.

Application for Assistance (Appendix B)(PDF, 269KB)

An initial "needs" assessment will be performed by Council officers to determine the level of support and services that may need to be engaged to help the applicant.

If you are not happy with the decision, you can appeal by completing below form:

Appeal Against Decision (Appendix C)(PDF, 240KB)

Financial Counselling Services

National Debt Helpline

Phone: 1800 007 007

Non-profit Victorian Government service providing free, confidential phone financial counselling for Victorians experiencing financial difficulty.

Website: www.ndh.org.au

Please contact the National Debt Helpline to request a referral to see a financial counsellor at your local financial counselling service.