Individual Funding Application Form

The following definitions apply to the City’s COVID-19 Crisis Relief Fund for Individuals:

• Ratepayer: a person who is liable to pay rates on a property in the City of Kalamunda. This may be the owner of the property or could also be the person renting the property if the rental agreement requires that person to pay rates.
• Genuine financial hardship: occurs when a ratepayer is genuinely struggling to pay the rates and charges owed and struggling to meet other financial obligations. Genuine financial hardship does not arise where it is inconvenient to pay the amount of rates owed or it is subject to the timing of income; for example, holiday pay, dividends, lump sum payment. Genuine financial hardship may occur in the following circumstances arising as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis:
  • Loss or significant reduction in family income due to job loss or business closure (or both).
  • Serious illness resulting in incapacity to work.
  • Any other factor that results in an unforeseen and substantial change in the ratepayer’s capacity to meet their financial obligations.
• Rates and charges: means the Council rates and charges that appear on a rates notice:
  • General rate
  • Waste charges
  • Any interest or penalties that Council can charge if the rates and charges are not paid on time

Ratepayers are eligible to apply for financial assistance with payment of rates due to financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19 provided they meet the following criteria

• Are a City of Kalamunda ratepayer and currently reside in the property
• The applicant must be the owner or co-owner of the property and liable for payment of rates and charges.
• Have demonstrated financial hardship due to COVID-19.
• Demonstrate a loss of a job or significant reduction in family income due to job loss or business closure (or both) that has been suffered for 3 months or more since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020.
• Provide necessary documentation to prove financial hardship.
• Submit an application before 31 December 2022.

If any information in applications is found to be false or misleading, the application will be deemed as an unsuccessful application.

The application form explains the types of evidence required to be submitted. However, if City staff require additional evidence or clarification from a ratepayer to support an application, contact will be made by a Rates Officer to advise what additional information is required. Whether an applicant is successful or not will be determined by City of Kalamunda in its absolute discretion.

The Rates Financial Hardship Assistance application form and evidence of financial hardship are to be submitted by the ratepayer:

• By email to rates@kalamunda.wa.gov.au
  or;
• By post PO Box 42, Kalamunda WA 6926.

The provision of supporting evidence with the application will assist the prompt assessment of the application. City staff will acknowledge the receipt of the application and may request other information if required.

The application will be valid for the 2022/23 financial year only.