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                    General Financial Hardship Policy

                    The General Financial Hardship Policy assists eligible residents and businesses experiencing financial difficulty due to COVID-19. Applicants can request help in paying their City of Melbourne permits, licences and fees.

                    Assistance options

                    We are helping residents and businesses in the City of Melbourne municipality

                    You can request help in paying City of Melbourne permits, licences and fees. The following options may be available:

                    • deferment 
                    • waiver 
                    • payment plan 
                    • extension 
                    • refund.

                    Help for residents 

                    Residents can request help in paying:

                    • general fines (excluding parking infringements)
                    • parking permits
                    • busking permits
                    • town planning fees – permit extensions
                    • land information certificates
                    • aged and health services relating to food, domestic assistance and personal care
                    • leisure and recreation centre memberships
                    • marine berthing – 30-year lease (outgoings only).

                    Help for businesses

                    Businesses can request help in paying:

                    • general fines (excluding parking infringements)
                    • parking, advertisement, handbill or estate agent permits
                    • street trading and kerbside cafe permits
                    • town planning fees – permit extensions
                    • land information certificates
                    • building fine – new pool legislation
                    • marine berthing – 30-year lease (outgoings only)
                    • waste management fees and charges.

                    If you are experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 and need help in paying your permits, licences or fees please apply below.

                    We will advise of a decision via email within 21 business days, subject to all relevant information being provided.

                    Apply now

                    ​More information

                    More details are outlined in the General Financial Hardship Policy. 

                    To discuss your situation, or if you have any questions, contact 9658 9658 to see how we can help.

                    Cybersecurity and scams
                    Sadly, scammers are using the spread of COVID-19 to take advantage of people across Australia. Please be aware that City of Melbourne does not charge a fee for our grants or hardship policy applications. Visit Scamwatch for more on coronavirus scams or to report an issue.

                    Frequently asked questions

                    I am residential rate ratepayer, can I apply for relief?

                    ​Yes, the General Financial Hardship Policy supports residents in the City of Melbourne's municipality

                    I am a small (or) medium business, can I apply for relief?

                    ​Yes, the General Financial Hardship Policy supports small and medium businesses in City of Melbourne's municipality

                    How do I demonstrate financial hardship?

                    ​For the purpose of the General Financial Hardship Policy, financial hardship means:

                    For a Person: Severe suffering or privation which could be brought on by unemployment, sickness, family breakdown, lower income, loss of income

                    For a Body (small or medium business): Severe financial suffering due to a Force Majeure Event which could be brought on by at least 25% decline in turnover compared to the same period last financial year.

                    What is the minimum amount for a permit, license or fee that I can apply for?

                    ​An individual can make an application for a permit, license or fee for a minimum of $250. Small business can apply for a minimum of $500, and medium business a minimum of $1000. 

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