Concessions. Overview This Factsheet provides information about concessions available within New South Wales (NSW).

Transcription

1 s DVA Factsheet CON01 s in New South Wales Overview This Factsheet provides information about concessions available within New South Wales (NSW). The NSW concessions are primarily state concessions or concessions offered within the metropolitan area of Sydney. Many local councils also offer concessions to residents, sometimes in addition to state concessions. Check with your local council to find out more about other concessions in your area. Who determines what the concessions are? The relevant Australian Government and State authorities and businesses determine what concessions to offer, and who is eligible for those concessions. DVA does not determine what concessions are available from the concession providers. The type of concession and eligibility requirements are determined by the relevant Australian Government and State authorities and businesses that provide those concessions. Who is eligible for a concession? Where possible, this Factsheet will list the eligibility requirements for each particular concession. The requirements will normally relate to whether you are eligible for certain types of DVA cards or whether you receive a certain type of DVA pension. Proving your Eligibility In many cases you will be able to prove your eligibility by presenting a DVA card such as the Pensioner Card (PCC) or the DVA Gold Card. In situations where this does not apply the concession providers will tell you what confirmation they require. Changes to concessions The information given in this Factsheet is based on information provided to us and to the best of our knowledge is correct. s may change at any time and the details should always be confirmed with the provider. CON01 - Last updated: 10 Feb 2012 Page 1 of 16

2 s in New South Wales, continued Health concessions Treatment Cards If you have a DVA treatment card (Gold or White Card) you should always use this card for medical, hospital, pharmaceutical and allied health services. Pharmaceutical benefits PCC holders. PCC holders are eligible for pharmaceuticals under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) at $5.60 per prescription. Your pharmacist can tell you which pharmaceuticals are listed under the scheme. Premiums charged by manufacturers may apply to some alternative brands/medicines. Once you have spent the PBS Safety Net threshold amount on PBS medicines, you will receive free PBS medicines for the rest of the year. Department of Health and Ageing: National Diabetes Services Scheme Australian residents who have been diagnosed with diabetes by a doctor or Credentialed Diabetes Educator (CDE), and hold a current Australian Medicare card or DVA file number. A range of Australian Government approved products are available at subsidised prices for persons who are registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme. National Diabetes Services Scheme: Hearing services PCC holders DVA Gold Card holders DVA White Card holders where the card is issued specifically for hearing reasons. CON01 - Last updated: 10 Feb 2012 Page 2 of 16

3 s in New South Wales, continued Hearing services, continued Hearing assessments and hearing rehabilitation are available through the Office of Hearing Services. Hearing assessments and hearing rehabilitation, including provision and fitting of some hearing aids, are available free of charge to PCC holders. Office of Hearing Services: or TTY Ambulance PCC holders. In NSW all PCC holders receive free ambulance transport in an emergency or on the recommendation of a Medical Practitioner. Present your PCC to the Ambulance Service to establish entitlement. Ambulance Service of NSW generalenquiry@ambulance.nsw.gov.au Spectacles PCC holders. Free consultations and eyesight tests are provided by most optometrists and by the Sydney Eye Hospital. For more information contact your local Area Health Service (under Health NSW in the White Pages). NSW Health CON01 - Last updated: 10 Feb 2012 Page 3 of 16

4 s in New South Wales, continued Dental PCC holders. The Dental Hospital of Sydney offers free emergency dental treatment to PCC holders. The hospital is located in Chalmers Street, Surry Hills. Sydney Dental Hospital: (02) Transport s Public transport NSW & Australian Capital Territory (ACT) PCC holders Interstate PCC holders Veterans receiving a disability pension War Widow s Pension recipients Veterans blinded due to war service who also receive Attendant Allowance. NSW & ACT PCC holders NSW & ACT PCC holders are eligible for a variety of transport concessions including: a Pensioner Excursion Ticket, at a flat rate covering all day travel around Sydney and Newcastle. The ticket applies to travel on the CityRail network, State Transit buses, Sydney Ferries and to private bus operators in the Sydney metropolitan area half fare travel on most government rail, bus and ferry services half fare travel on most privately operated transport services Up to 4 single trips annually on CountryLink or Great Southern Railways services, for journeys wholly within NSW only. Half fare concession applies for the remainder of the journey. No booking fee applies for regular economy class CountryLink services. A surcharge will apply for pensioners choosing to use their free vouchers for first class tickets on CountryLink. Show your PCC when you purchase your ticket. CON01 - Last updated: 10 Feb 2012 Page 4 of 16

5 s in New South Wales, continued Public transport, continued Interstate PCC holders Interstate PCC holders are eligible for: a Pensioner Excursion Ticket, at a flat rate covering all day travel around Sydney and Newcastle. The ticket applies to travel on the CityRail network, State Transit buses, Sydney Ferries and to private bus operators in the Sydney metropolitan area half fare travel on most government rail, bus and ferry services half fare travel on most privately operated transport services. Show your PCC when you purchase your ticket. Veterans receiving disability pension Veterans receiving a disability pension who live permanently in NSW and certain Commonwealth and Allied WW2 veterans resident in New South Wales can apply for the Ex-members of the Defence Force card. This card gives the holder: free rail travel on the CityRail network free bus travel on government and privately operated services in metropolitan and outermetropolitan areas free bus travel on privately operated local services for rural/regional areas free ferry travel on government operated services in metropolitan and outer metropolitan areas half fare on the AirportLink service those who reside outside the Sydney and Newcastle CityRail suburban areas may receive on application to RailCorp Passes and s office, 3 free return trips (or 6 free single trips) annually on CountryLinks NSW routes. No booking fee applies. To apply for the Ex-members of the Defence Force card, contact Railcorp s Passes and Office. War Widows Pensioners War Widows pensioners who hold a Transport Card from DVA are eligible for a variety of transport concessions including: a Pensioner Excursion Ticket, at a flat rate which covers all day travel around Sydney and Newcastle. The ticket applies to travel on the CityRail network, State Transit buses, Sydney Ferries and to private bus operators in the Sydney metropolitan area half fare travel on most government rail, bus and ferry services half fare travel on most privately operated transport services Up to 4 single trips annually on CountryLink or Great Southern Railways services, for journeys wholly within NSW only. Half fare concession applies for the remainder of the journey. No booking fee applies for regular economy class CountryLink services. A surcharge will apply for pensioners choosing to use their free vouchers for first class tickets on CountryLink. Show your Transport Card when you purchase your ticket. Note: It is important to note that under current state legislation, wholly dependant partners (MRCA war widows/widowers) are not eligible to receive the Transport Card. CON01 - Last updated: 10 Feb 2012 Page 5 of 16

6 s in New South Wales, continued Public transport, continued - Veterans blinded due to war service receiving attendant allowance Australian War Veterans who: reside permanently in NSW; and are classified by the DVA as blinded due to war service; and receive an Attendant's Allowance; can apply for the Blinded Soldiers Gold Pass/Medallion. This pass/medallion gives the holder: Free travel for self and guide on all CityRail services Free entry/exit at AirportLink stations. Where the Pass/Medallion is endorsed for an attendant, the attendant is also entitled to free travel. To apply for the Blinded Soldiers Gold Pass/Medallion, contact Railcorp s Passes and Office. Railcorp s Passes and Office: (02) Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS) The scheme was introduced to assist residents of NSW who are unable to use public transport because of a qualifying severe and permanent disability. Participation in the scheme is not means tested, however, applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria. Receipt of an aged, invalid, blind or any other pension will not automatically qualify an individual for participation in the Scheme. Information on eligibility criteria is available from the NSW Ministry of Transport website - The scheme subsidises the travel cost of TTSS participants, allowing them to travel by taxi at half fare. Note there is a maximum subsidy - refer to the NSW Ministry of Transport website for more information. Note: For taxi travel relating to the treatment of accepted disabilities you should use your DVA treatment card (Gold card or White card). For more information refer to Factsheet HSV02 Entitlements under the Repatriation Transport Scheme. NSW Department of Transport (TTSS): CON01 - Last updated: 10 Feb 2012 Page 6 of 16

7 s in New South Wales, continued Great Southern Railway (GSR) Services Fare PCC holders Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) holders. Fare PCC & CSHC Holders PCC & CSHC holders are eligible for a discount of up to 55% from Great Southern Railway (GSR) for the following rail journeys: The Ghan The Indian Pacific The Overland. Special Veteran Travel Veterans receiving disability pension at the Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) rate Veterans receiving disability pension at the Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) rate Veterans receiving disability pension at the Intermediate rate Veterans receiving disability pension at the Blind rate Service Pensioners on the Blind rate Disability Pensioners receiving the Specific Disability amount Items 1-14 listed under Section 27 of the Veterans Entitlements Act 1986, i.e. suffering loss of limb Widows of WWI Australian veterans (do not have to be in receipt of DVA pension). Special Veterans Travel This concession provides either: free rail travel in a Gold Service Sleeper Cabin (formerly known as First Class) over the Commonwealth owned track only. The free component includes a sleeping berth only and does not include any Gold Service meal charges or Fuel Price Surcharges; or free rail travel in a Red Service Sleeper Cabin (formerly known as Holiday Class) which includes a sleeping berth (if applicable) over the Commonwealth owned track only. Meals can be purchased in Red Service. Fuel Price Surcharges also apply. The following sections of GSR journeys are covered by the concession: the Indian Pacific between Broken Hill and Kalgoorlie the Overland between Wolseley and Adelaide the Ghan between Adelaide and Darwin. Carers for Special veterans are also entitled to a concession. A medical certificate must be obtained stating the veteran/widow/widowers and carer s names and that the veteran/widow/widowers requires care for the journey. The carer does not have to be in receipt of a carer s pension or be related to the person travelling. Refer to Factsheet IS152 Great Southern Railway Travel for more information. Great Southern Rail: CON01 - Last updated: 10 Feb 2012 Page 7 of 16

8 s in New South Wales, continued NSW Photo Card The NSW Photo Card is a voluntary card for people who do not hold a current NSW driver licence, or other form of photo identification, to help them prove who they are. It may be used to help access a number of everyday services such as sending or receiving international mail, opening bank accounts and entering licensed premises. Who is eligible? PCC holders with a NSW address; Holders of a gold card embossed with war widow/er Holders of a gold card embossed with TPI Holders of a gold card embossed with EDA Ex-service persons receiving disability pension at 70% of the general rate or higher Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act (MRCA) clients who have been assessed at 50 or more impairment points. NSW Photo Cards are issued and replaced free of charge. Note: Applicants must present acceptable proof of identity documents and a proof of residential address document if the address is not shown on one of the identity documents. If an applicant has changed their name, acceptable change of name documents are also required. MRCA clients seeking a Photo Card are advised to obtain a letter from DVA confirming their eligibility before seeking the concession. provider The Roads and Traffic Authority: CON01 - Last updated: 10 Feb 2012 Page 8 of 16

9 s in New South Wales, continued Household s Australia Post PCC holders. Australia Post will re-direct mail at a discounted rate after PCC holders change their address. Australia Post will deliver some items that aid the visually impaired free of charge or at concessional rates for PCC holders. Australia Post: Telstra PCC holders. Telstra offer a number of concessions to PCC holders, including: a discount on new telephone service connection fee a reduction in your home line plan costs. For more information you can request a brochure from Telstra called Pensioner Benefits which details the concessions that they provide. Telstra: Low Cost Internet Connection DVA entitlement card holders Age pensioners Disability support pensioners. CON01 - Last updated: 10 Feb 2012 Page 9 of 16

10 s in New South Wales, continued Low Cost Internet Connection, continued Technical Aid to the Disabled (TAD) Australia with internet provider ISPOne have negotiated a partnership to provide aged pensioners, veterans and people with disabilities throughout Australia with access to a low cost Internet service. This enables people who hold a DVA Entitlement Card, or receive Age Pension or Disability Support Pension to go online at a reduced cost. Please refer to the TAD Australia website for information on costs. TADAust Connect: Website tadaustconnect.org.au/ Water, Sewerage & Storm Water Rebates PCC holders holders of a gold card embossed with war widow/er holders of a gold card embossed with TPI Holders of a gold card embossed with EDA Veterans receiving disability pension at the Temporarily Totally Incapacitated (TTI) rate. MRCA clients seeking a concession from Sydney Water or Hunter Water are advised to obtain a letter from DVA confirming their eligibility before seeking the concession. For details of concessions available, contact Sydney Water Corporation or Hunter Water Corporation. s Sydney Water Corporation: Hunter Water Corporation: (02) Rates PCC holders; holders of a gold card embossed with TPI ; holders of a gold card embossed with EDA ; and holders of a gold card embossed with war widow/er who do not have a PCC but who, because of their income and assets, would be entitled to a PCC. War widow/ers and wholly dependent partners who believe they meet this criterion should contact their local council. CON01 - Last updated: 10 Feb 2012 Page 10 of 16

11 s in New South Wales, continued Rates, continued Local councils provide rebates on council rates to eligible pensioners. For more information contact your local council. Energy Rebate PCC holders holders of a gold card embossed with war widow/er holders of a gold card embossed with TPI holders of a gold card embossed with EDA. The NSW Government provides an energy rebate for pensioners. This rebate covers both gas and electricity but is paid only by the electricity provider. For more information and to apply for a pensioner rebate, you will need to contact your electricity retailer. The phone number can be found on your bill. MRCA clients seeking a concession from their energy retailer are advised to obtain a letter from DVA confirming their eligibility before seeking the concession. Some information is provided by the Department of Water and Energy. Department of Water and Energy: (02) information@dwe.nsw.gov.au Life Support Rebate If you require certain medical equipment in your home that is necessary to sustain your life, such as a kidney dialysis machine or respirator/ventilator, you may be entitled to a rebate on your electricity bill. You will need to apply for the rebate from your electricity supplier and provide a certificate from your doctor confirming that you require the equipment. CON01 - Last updated: 10 Feb 2012 Page 11 of 16

12 s in New South Wales, continued Life Support Rebate, continued The amount of the rebate depends upon the type of machine you require. The rebate is a flat rate for each type of machine. Information on rates is available from your electricity supplier. The life support rebate is additional to any pensioner rebate to which you may be entitled. For more information and to apply for a rebate, you will need to contact your electricity retailer. The phone number can be found on your bill. Some information is provided by the Department of Water and Energy. Department of Water and Energy: (02) information@dwe.nsw.gov.au Vehicle and Driver Licensing s Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) concessions PCC holders Holders of a Gold Card embossed with war widow/er, TPI, or EDA Veterans receiving disability pension at 70% of the general rate or higher MRCA clients who have been assessed at 50 or more impairment points. Note: MRCA clients seeking a concession from the RTA are advised to obtain a letter from DVA confirming their eligibility before seeking the concession. All Eligible Pensioners The RTA pensioner concession scheme applies to one vehicle per eligible pensioner (either fully or conditionally registered). CON01 - Last updated: 10 Feb 2012 Page 12 of 16

13 s in New South Wales, continued Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) concessions, continued - All Eligible Pensioners, continued Eligible pensioners are exempt from fees for the following: NSW Driver Licences Driving tests Riding skill test at a motor registry Riding skill test with training contractor Heavy Vehicle HVCBA log book and guide Replacement Learner Driver log book Registration (including HVIS inspection fees) Motor vehicle tax Conditional registration Mobility Parking Scheme permits. For new and renewed cards a full fee concession is allowed and a reduced fee applies for card replacements where the card was lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed. In addition, dependants under 16 years of age listed on a current NSW Pensioner Card are eligible for Mobility Parking Scheme concessions. Disability Pensioners receiving 70% of the general rate or higher and MRCA clients who have been assessed at 50 or more impairment points These eligible pensioners are exempt from Transfer fee and stamp duty on motor vehicles. - Veterans who receive a disability pension of 100% or higher These eligible pensioners are exempt from toll charges for the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel, either as a passenger or as the driver of a vehicle. The Roads and Traffic Authority: Motor Vehicle GST exemption Veterans receiving disability pension at the TPI rate and other veterans as specified in Factsheet DP79 Supply of Cars and Car Parts GST Free. Eligible veterans are entitled to GST exemption on the purchase of new cars (once every 2 years or 40,000 km). GST exemption is also available on spare parts necessary for the running of a motor car. Refer to Factsheet DP79 Supply of Cars and Car Parts GST Free. CON01 - Last updated: 10 Feb 2012 Page 13 of 16

14 s in New South Wales, continued Motor Vehicle GST exemption, continued For more information Application forms are available from DVA, but contact your local Australian Taxation Office for details of exempt items. Australian Taxation Office: State Seniors Card Different concessions may be available for holders of Seniors Cards. All State Governments issue their own Seniors Card. Eligibility for this card is determined by each state and is usually based on age and/or the number of hours worked per week. In most states you must be over 60 years. s vary between states but may include discounts on travel, licences or household expenses, as well as on goods and services. In 2009 the National Transport Scheme was introduced, allowing holders of Seniors Cards to access public transport concessions throughout Australia. Previously holders of Seniors Cards could only access public transport concessions in the state in which the card was issued. State Government issued Seniors Cards are also often accepted at local businesses and may be accepted where a PCC or Gold Card is not. For more information on the NSW Seniors Card NSW Seniors Card: Finding out more about concessions TPI Veterans The Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Veterans Association of New South Wales has a list of services and businesses which provide concessions to its members. The list includes concessions offered for a wide variety of goods and services, including sporting, entertainment and recreational facilities. For more information TPI Association - Surry Hills: (02) Head Office Address: 444 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills TPI Association Newcastle: (02) Mailing Address: PO Box 476 Newcastle, NSW 2300 CON01 - Last updated: 10 Feb 2012 Page 14 of 16

15 s in New South Wales, continued Finding out more about concessions War Widow(er)s The War Widows Guild of Australia NSW Ltd has a list of concessions and entitlements that are available to war widows or widowers. For more information War Widows Guild of Australia NSW Ltd: (02) country residents Head Office address: Level 2, 175 Castlereagh Street, Sydney When to contact DVA Contact DVA: to report a lost card to notify us of a change of address for information about eligibility for Australian Government concessions for information about the issue of a PCC. Contact the authority or business administering the concession for: information about the eligibility for a concession details about the rate of concessions. Disclaimer The information contained in this Factsheet is general in nature and does not take into account individual circumstances. You should not make important decisions, such as those that affect your financial or lifestyle position, e.g. retirement, on the basis of information contained in this Factsheet. Where you are required to lodge a written claim for a benefit, you must take full responsibility for your decisions prior to the written claim being determined. You should seek confirmation in writing of any oral advice you receive from DVA relating to complex or important matters. Other Factsheets Other Factsheets relating to this topic include: IS125 Pensioner Card IS152 Great Southern Railway Travel IS160 Overview of Cards Available to Veterans and Their Dependants DP79 Supply of Cars and Car Parts GST Free HSV02 Entitlements under the Repatriation Transport Scheme. CON01 - Last updated: 10 Feb 2012 Page 15 of 16

16 s in New South Wales, continued More information All DVA Factsheets are available from DVA offices, and on the DVA website at You can phone DVA for the cost of a local call on or for country callers. Use a normal landline phone if you can. Mobile phone calls may cost you more. You can send an to DVA at: GeneralEnquiries@dva.gov.au. You can get more help from any DVA office. CON01 - Last updated: 10 Feb 2012 Page 16 of 16