Individual Funding Application Form

The following definitions apply to the City’s financial hardship applications:

» 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.

» Severe 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:

• Forced (stood down or made redundant) unemployment or underemployment for a minimum of 3 consecutive months.
• Loss of income for a minimum of 3 consecutive months and with a loss of 30% or more of normal wage.
• Trauma/tragedy that has impacted the ability to meet financial obligations. » Serious illness or long term recovery from serious illness.
• Impact of natural disaster i.e. fire, flood etc.
• Other factors that may result in an unforeseen and substantial change to 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
• Other service charges applicable
• 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 on an annual basis and only valid for that respective financial year to assist with payment of Council rates provided they meet the following criteria:

• The applicant must be the owner or co-owner of the property and liable for payment of rates and charges.
• Provide evidence of loss or significant reduction of employment income.
• Provide necessary documentation to prove financial hardship.
• Provide a statement of current financial position from a financial advisor - if possible.
• 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 team member 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 2024/25 financial year only.