Concession Cards are the icing on the cake when it comes to retirement income. The rate of a full Age Pension has been measured as subsistence level, not much more, according to the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS). Many part Age Pensioners also find that they can cover household expenses, but live a far from lavish lifestyle based upon their pension incomes, including supplements (explained last week). Similarly there are many self-funded retirees, who, unlike common media portrayals, are not greedy baby boomers spending the kids’ inheritance. On the contrary, they watch every dollar. Show This is why concession cards can make a very real difference. The cards offer a broad range of discounts, generally covering medical and pharmaceutical concessions, utility discounts, car registration and public transport discounts and sometimes lower council rates. The following table explains the cards currently issued by the federal government (through Services Australia or the Department of Veterans Affairs) for those on a full or part Age Pension, for self-funded retirees (who meet the criteria), as well as the Seniors card programs which are offered by every state and territory to any senior, regardless of their financial situation. CARDWHO IS ELIGIBLE?BENEFITSHOW TO APPLYPensioner Concession CardIf you are eligible for an Age Pension payment then you are eligible for a Pensioner Concession CardNationalReduced-cost medicines State Property rates and water charges May also qualify for additional health, household, transport, education and recreation concessions that may be offered by state or territory and local governments and private providers. You can make a seniors health card application with Retirement Essentials or via Centrelink or MyGovSeniors CardSeniors Cards are issued by state and territory governments and are available to those aged 60 years and over, who no longer work full-time and are permanent residents. However, eligibility varies depending on the state or territory in which you reside.The main benefit is that Seniors Card holders are entitled to travel concessions in their home state and territory, as well as interstate. Concessions vary depending on the state or territory in which you reside.As an example, NSW Seniors are entitled to:
To apply online for your local Seniors Card go to:
NSW:Click here NSW Seniors Card VIC:Click here Vic Seniors Card ACT: Click here ACT Seniors Card WA: Click here WA Seniors Card QLD:Click here QLD Seniors Card TAS:Click here TAS Seniors Card SA: Click here SA Seniors Card
How do you apply?There is no need to apply for a Pensioner Concession Card, it will be automatically awarded to you when you qualify for a full or part Age Pension. If you would like support with an Age Pension application, a consultation with our customer service team can speed up the process. The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card involves a lengthy application, with eligibility dependent upon income thresholds. Interestingly, there are far fewer card holders than people who are eligible. So it is fair to assume that the potential card holders either do not know about the cards, or the application process is seen as too hard. It is complicated and that is why Retirement Essentials offers support to help you lodge an application quickly and easily. How much are concession cards actually worth?This can vary from household to household. Conservatively, depending upon the extent of medical, pharmaceutical and utility bills, a Pension Concession Card could allow the holder around $2-3000 worth of health discounts, with a possible $2000-$3000 across other benefits. A total annual Commonwealth Seniors Health Card discount might also add up to $2000-3000 covering Medicare safety net and pharmaceutical benefits, and (up to) an additional $3000, depending upon rates, utility and transport costs. You can check of you are eligible to receive either of these cards by using our free eligibility calculator. Why did Centrelink give me a pension card?A concession card to get cheaper health care, medicines and some discounts if you get certain payments from us. You can get a Pensioner Concession Card if you get certain payments from us. You don't need to apply for a Pensioner Concession Card.
What is a pension card for?Purpose of Card
The Pensioner Concession Card assists pensioners and selected benefit recipients with certain living costs by allowing access to specific goods and services at a concessional rate.
Who gets a pension card?Introduction. As a NSW permanent resident aged 60 or over, you can apply for either a NSW Seniors Card or Senior Savers Card. Both cards are free and give you discounts and special offers at thousands of businesses across NSW including shops, restaurants and professional services.
What is the difference between a seniors card and a pension card?The main difference is that the Pensioner Concession Card is available if you receive certain payments from the government, including the Age Pension. In comparison, to qualify for the CSHC you must not be getting a payment from the government. Each state and territory also has their own Seniors Card scheme.
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Why do people get a pension card?
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