The assistance is available to ratepayers who can provide supporting documentation that they are receiving federal government support as a result of COVID-19 or are a landlord who has incurred a reduction of 30 per cent or more in rental income.

It will allow ratepayers to defer their next two payments.

Dubbo mayor Ben Shields said the rate relief policy was the best way council could support ratepayers going through financial hardship due to COVID-19.

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"There won't be any interest charged on a delay in payment for eligible ratepayers that have an approved application, which in effect means people can postpone payment for the next two rate instalments until 31 December 2020," he said.

"This is not a waiving of rates - it's about providing extra time for rates to be paid. And if you can pay, and pay them on time, we encourage you to keep paying them as normal."

A significant amount of council's annual income is dependant on rates. and Cr Shields said it was vital for the organisation to have an income.

"We need to make sure we can continue to deliver our services and infrastructure projects so our community can continue to grow and prosper after these tough times," he said.

"We are a large employer and spender in the local economy, so it's important that we can keep operating at this time."

Applications need to be submitted by May 31.

To complete an application, head to the Dubbo Regional Council website where you will be directed to the new DRC&ME customer portal to complete an online form.