Payment plans and hardship assistance

If you are experiencing a short-term financial issue, such as a job loss, then we may be able to assist with a payment plan for your outstanding council rates.

If you're experiencing ongoing financial difficulties, such as a permanent reduction in income, you may require longer-term support options.

Either way, we're here to help.

If you have fallen behind on your council rates, a payment plan can help you get back on track.

A payment plan is an agreement between you and council to pay your overdue rates in smaller, manageable amounts over a set period of time.

Instead of paying the full amount upfront, you make regular payments either weekly, fortnightly, or monthly until your account is up to date.

This helps reduce financial stress and ensures you continue meeting your obligations without facing further penalties or legal action.

Payments can be made:

• online by credit card 
• with BPAY or BPAY view
• online using Australia Post Bill Pay
• by direct debit
• in-person at Australia Post
• in-person at City of Adelaide's customer centre
• by post.

Find out more about paying your rates.

You can apply for a payment plan using our online rates payment plan request form.

When you request a payment plan you will need to provide:

• your rates Assessment Number(s)
• your property address
• a payment frequency and proposed payment per period
• the start date for a payment plan, if approved. The start date can be from 15-45 days from the request date.
• your name, email address and phone number.

If you are managing the property on behalf of the owner, you will need to upload evidence that you've been authorised by the owner or ratepayer to act on their behalf.

You will receive a confirmation email from our Accounts Receivable team within the next 15 business days if your request is accepted.

If any further information is required, we will reach out to you via the contact information provided.

Please note you can make a payment towards your rates at any time. If your council rates are in arrears, payment will go towards any outstanding amount owing first.

Financial hardship means you’re experiencing genuine difficulty in meeting your financial obligations, including paying your council rates. This could be due to circumstances such as:

• Loss of income or employment
• Serious illness or injury
• Unexpected ongoing expenses
• Other significant life changes affecting your ability to pay

If you’re in financial hardship, the council may offer support options such as payment plans, extensions, or concessions to help ease the burden.

We encourage you to contact us early so we can work with you to find a solution that suits your situation. 

What you will need to apply for hardship assistance

• Assessment Number(s)
• Property details
• Ratepayer information

For more information, view the Financial Hardship Operating Guidelines.

Apply for financial hardship - Resident

Apply for financial hardship - Business

For more information, please contact the Accounts Receivable team at [email protected] or call (08) 8203 7203.