Request a rates payment plan or apply for financial hardship

If you’re facing financial hardship or feeling worried about paying your rates, please contact us to discuss the options available. 

  • A great way to spread your rates payments out across the year is to set up a payment plan using FlexiPay. This is is our direct debit payment option that allows you to pay your rates in smaller amounts to suit your budget, such as weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly, over the financial year. FlexiPay is easy to set up online. 
  • You’ll be able to sign up for FlexiPay after you receive your rates notice. You’ll need to sign up for a new payment plan each year. 

To make an alternative payment plan outside of FlexiPay, please call us on 1300 787 624

Payment plans provide a flexible payment option that suits your individual circumstances.

Payment plans are offered as either:

  • Weekly
  • Fortnightly
  • Monthly

Payment plans are only valid for the financial year in which they are made and must be renewed when the annual rates are issued in August each year.

Interest will not be charged unless the payment plan is cancelled. 

To apply for Payment Plan, fill out our online application form or download a hard copy application form to hand in or post to the Civic Centre (20 Siding Ave, Officer). 

You can also call 1300 787 624 to discuss your options. 

Post
Cardinia Shire Council
PO Box 7
Pakenham VIC 3810

If you’re facing serious financial hardship 

If you're facing serious financial hardship and having difficulty making reasonable payments towards your rates, you can: 

  • ask for a short-term deferral of payment
  • submit a financial hardship application and we'll contact you to discuss your options. 
  • seek free advice from a qualified financial advisor or counsellor through the National Debt Helpline

Apply for financial hardship 

Read the rates and charges financial hardship policy   Apply for rates and charges financial hardship consideration online 

You can also download the rates and charges financial hardship application form and send us a copy via email, post or fax. 

Email
mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au

Post
Cardinia Shire Council
PO Box 7
Pakenham VIC 3810

Fax
5941 3784

Eligible JobSeeker recipients can apply for a $50 rebate on 2023–24 rates for their principal place of residence. 
For information and to see all available rebates: Rates concessions and rebates

  • You must pay each rates instalment by its due date to avoid being charged interest on your rates per year. (This is in accordance with Section 172 of the Local Government Act 1989).  
  • Legal action may also be taken to recover unpaid rates, and you may end up paying additional costs. 

Please call us on 1300 787 624