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 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
Apply for personal financial hardship assistance
Apply for business financial hardship assistance
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 taking 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 External link for more on coronavirus scams or to report an issue.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the General Financial Hardship Policy supports residents in the City of Melbourne's municipality.
Yes, the General Financial Hardship Policy supports small and medium businesses in City of Melbourne's municipality.
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.
An individual can apply for a permit, license or fee for at least $250. Small business can apply for a minimum of $500, and medium business a minimum of $1000.
