We’re proud to work alongside partners who share our commitment to giving members accessible, proactive support, whether that’s making sense of your insurance, your healthcare benefits, or your income in retirement. Together, we can help you navigate life’s challenges with more confidence.
With the cost of living continuing to climb, especially for retirees on fixed incomes, the burden of ever-increasing rates can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’re sharing this article from our partner Lifetime Retirement Income. They’ve put together a clear guide to the government’s Rates Rebate Scheme, which could help ease the pressure on your household budget.
You can read the original article by Vanessa Glennie on Lifetime's website Retirement here: Are you eligible for a rates rebate? Or, continue below to read the full article and don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments.
Rates bills are one of those expenses that always seems to creep upwards. According to Stats NZ (Click to View), the local authority rates portion of the consumer price index increased 12.2% in the year to June 2025. That’s a big jump for anyone, but especially for retirees managing on a fixed income.
The good news is that help is available through the government’s rates rebate scheme, which offers partial refunds for eligible, low-income ratepayers. If you haven’t looked into it yet, it’s well worth checking whether you qualify.
The scheme is designed to take some of the pressure off homeowners by reducing the amount they pay in council rates. It’s administered by the Department of Internal Affairs in partnership with local councils and is updated each year to reflect inflation and income levels.
For the 2025/26 year, the maximum rebate is $805. That’s not pocket change, it could cover a good chunk of your annual rates bill.
You can apply if:
You may also be eligible if you live in a retirement village or a company-share apartment, provided you have the right to occupy your unit and supply the correct declaration forms. Trust-owned properties may qualify too, if you are a named trustee on the rates bill.
The size of your rebate depends on three things: your income, your rates bill, and whether you have dependants. You can use the government’s online calculator (Click to View) to estimate your entitlement, but keep in mind it’s only a guide.
If you hold a SuperGold card, you may qualify for a higher rebate, just provide a copy of the card with your application.
What counts as income?
This is the part where people sometimes get confused. For rebate purposes, your “household income” includes things like:
You’ll need to include income from your partner or spouse if they live with you, but not from children or dependants.
If you think you might be eligible, don’t delay. You’ll need to:
1. Complete an application form (available through your local council or the NZ Government website, here).
2. Provide proof of your income, e.g., an IRD summary of earnings, an investment income statement, or confirmation from Work and Income. Check your council website for their requirements.
3. Submit everything to your council before 30 June 2026.
If approved, your council will either deduct the rebate from your next rates instalment or refund you if you’ve already paid in full.
Rates are one of the biggest unavoidable costs for homeowners. For retirees, every dollar counts, and the rebate scheme can take real pressure off the household budget.
If you’re already a Lifetime customer, it’s reassuring to know that your Lifetime Home or Lifetime Income payments won’t reduce your chances of qualifying. Just remember to disclose any investment earnings.
So, if you haven’t already, check your eligibility. It could mean a lighter rates bill and a little more room in your budget for the things you’d rather be spending your retirement on.
Have you thought about Lifetime Retirement Income to look after your money in retirement?
If you’d like to find out more about any of our retirement income solutions, including Lifetime Income, Lifetime Home and Lifetime Invest, their locally-based income specialists are on hand to chat.
So click on the button below and contact Lifetime Retirement Income to find out more.