A single mother in Australia recently revealed how she managed to save more than $800 by simply picking up the phone.
This unexpected financial windfall will go directly toward supporting her children’s needs, covering groceries, bills, and school essentials.
Little-Known Centrelink Benefit Unlocks Big Savings
The key to this savings success? The Pensioner Concession Card issued by Centrelink. This card grants eligible Australians access to a wide array of concessions, including:
- Discounted prescription medication
- Bulk-billed GP visits
- State-specific perks such as free vehicle registration and driving licences
In New South Wales, eligible cardholders benefit from free car registration and free driver’s licences.
Real-Life Story: Alyce Verade’s $800 Win
Alyce Verade, a 37-year-old single mum from the Blue Mountains, shared her experience with Yahoo Finance. After hearing about potential concessions from her hairdresser, she contacted Service NSW to see if she qualified.
To her surprise, she was eligible for:
| Expense Type | Refund Amount |
|---|---|
| Car Registration | $692 |
| Driver’s Licence (Partial) | Over $200 |
| Total Refund | $800+ |
Alyce has been receiving the Single Parenting Payment and was issued a Pensioner Concession Card in December 2023.
“I was shocked I qualified,” she said. “It was all sorted in 10 minutes. They just needed my Centrelink number and last Service NSW transaction.”
Benefits Included with a Pensioner Concession Card
According to Service NSW, the card offers a comprehensive list of fee exemptions, such as:
- Motor vehicle registration fees
- Motor vehicle tax
- Stamp duty
- Transfer and conditional registration fees
- Free driver and rider licence tests
Other Australian states offer their own set of benefits:
| State/Territory | Key Benefit for Cardholders |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | Free rego and licence |
| Victoria | 50% discount on vehicle registration |
| Queensland | Reduced vehicle registration fees |
| ACT, NT, SA, TAS, WA | Various energy, transport, and healthcare discounts |
Who Can Get a Pensioner Concession Card?
To be eligible, you must be receiving one of the following Centrelink payments:
- Age Pension
- Carer Payment
- Disability Support Pension
- Parenting Payment (Single)
- JobSeeker or Youth Allowance (if you are single, caring for a child, and job hunting)
No application is needed—if you’re eligible, Services Australia will send the card to you automatically.
What Other Discounts Can You Access?
State and territory governments often provide additional cost-of-living benefits to cardholders. These may include:
- Discounted electricity and gas bills
- Lower public transport fares
- Reduced water and property rates
- Subsidised healthcare services
Check your local government site for details:
- NSW: NSW Government Community Support
- VIC: Concessions & Benefits
- QLD: Queensland Concessions
- WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT: Respective state concession portals
Aussies Encouraged to Check Their Entitlements
Verade, who juggles three casual jobs in retail and education, emphasized how much the refund meant to her and encouraged others to do the same.
“It’s a big help, especially when raising kids. I told my friend, and she’s getting $500 back too!”
She urges anyone on the Age Pension, Disability Support, or Single Parenting Payment to explore what hidden concessions they might qualify for.
This story is a powerful reminder that valuable government benefits are sometimes just a phone call away. The Pensioner Concession Card is more than just a piece of plastic—it’s a gateway to serious savings, especially for those juggling financial challenges.
If you receive Centrelink support, don’t miss out—check what you’re entitled to today, and you could save hundreds of dollars just like Alyce Verade.
FAQs
How do I find out if I qualify for a refund like Alyce?
Call Service NSW or your local equivalent and have your Centrelink number and transaction history ready for verification.
Does every state offer the same Pensioner Concession Card benefits?
No. Benefits vary by state or territory, so check your local government’s official site for a full list of available discounts.
Do I need to apply for the Pensioner Concession Card?
No application is required. If you’re eligible through Centrelink payments, Services Australia will automatically issue the card.