Late rates payments

Financial stress or hardship

If you are experiencing financial stress, please request a payment plan or extension using the relevant online form under Late rates payment forms.

Alternatively, if you experiencing severe financial hardship, please download, complete and submit our Financial Hardship Application form (DOC 172Kb) via email to RatesContact@merri-bek.vic.gov.au.

To discuss further, please contact the Revenue Services Unit at ratescontact@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or phone 9240-1111

Grants to make energy-saving upgrades to your home

If you own your home and live on a low income, we are offering grants so you can make energy-saving upgrades to your home that will reduce your electricity bills. You can find out how we're supporting low-income earners to improve their homes and reduce their bills on our Zero Carbon Merri-bek website.

Rates arrears

Rates arrears are outstanding amounts from previous years. Arrears shown on your annual rates notice must be paid immediately, unless a payment plan, extension or deferral has been approved.

Arrears may be subject to interest or legal action without further notice.

Penalty interest on late payments

When you pay your rates and charges, it is essential that your payment is received by the due date. You can find out more about due dates on our Pay you rates page. Interest may be charged on the overdue amount if your instalment is not paid by the due date.

The interest rate for the 2024-25 rating period is 10% per annum. This interest rate is fixed under Section 2 of the 'Penalty Interest Rates Act 1983'.

Payment Plans

If you are experiencing difficulties paying your rates by the legislated due dates, please enter into a payment plan by completing the Payment plan form under Late rates payments forms.

With BPAY, you can make one-off or schedule recurring payments on a date that suits you. You just need to make sure you have funds available in your account on the scheduled date. BPAY details are on your rate notice.

Some payment plans are managed by our collection agent, Recoveries and Reconstructions.

Instalment Extensions

Council offers instalment extensions of up to 4 weeks. To apply, complete the Rates extension form under Late rates payments forms.

Rate Deferrals

3-month Rate Deferrals are only accepted in exceptional circumstances, in line with our Hardship Policy. Council may consider deferrals, but they must not exceed 3 months.

To apply for a deferral you must download and complete our Financial Hardship Application form (DOC 172Kb), and email it to ratescontact@merri-bek.vic.gov.au with your supporting documents attached. You can also apply via the Financial hardship form under Late rates payments forms.