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How One Phone Call Saved This Single Mum Over $800
A single mother from the Blue Mountains, Alyce Verade, has shared an incredible story of how she managed to secure a refund exceeding $800, all from a simple phone call. Verade, who is raising three children, highlighted the importance of every dollar, particularly in these challenging financial times.
Understanding the Benefits of the Pensioner Concession Card
Verade’s windfall stemmed from her eligibility for the Pensioner Concession Card, a government initiative that offers various benefits to Australians. This card not only provides access to affordable medicines and bulk-billed medical visits but also offers significant advantages related to vehicle registration.
In New South Wales, cardholders are entitled to free car registration and licensing, a little-known benefit that Verade discovered while chatting with her hairdresser. Intrigued, she contacted Services NSW to confirm her eligibility, which proved fruitful.
The Refund Process
Upon reaching out, Verade learned she could obtain a refund for her $692 car registration, along with an additional refund of over $200 for her driver’s licence, due to the timing of when she received her Pensioner Concession Card. In total, her refunds surpassed $800.
“The process was so easy; it only took about 10 minutes,” Verade recounted, explaining that she needed to provide her Centrelink number and details of her last transaction with Service NSW.
Additional Benefits Available
According to Services NSW, holders of the Pensioner Concession Card can enjoy a range of exemptions, including:
- Waivers on registration fees
- Exemptions from motor vehicle tax
- Reduced costs for conditional registrations and transferring vehicles
- Free driving and riding tests
- Other licencing-related fees
Additionally, the rules regarding these benefits can vary significantly across different states and territories. For instance, in Victoria, holders receive a 50% discount on motor vehicle registration fees, while in Queensland, there are concessions that lower vehicle registration costs.
Eligibility for the Pensioner Concession Card
Eligibility for the Pensioner Concession Card is generally granted to individuals receiving specific government payments, such as:
- Age Pension
- Disability Support Pension
- Carer Payment
- JobSeeker
- Parenting Payment (Single)
Eligible individuals do not need to apply for the card; Services Australia automatically issues it upon qualification.
The Impact on Verade’s Budget
For Verade, the $800 refund is a considerable help and will be directed towards her children’s necessities: groceries, bills, and school uniforms. She juggles three casual jobs, working as a retail employee and a teacher’s aide, while managing three young children.
“This amount is going straight into the day-to-day needs of my kids,” she explained. Encouraged by her success, Verade is passionate about motivating others to investigate what financial supports they might qualify for. Her outreach led to a friend successfully receiving a $500 refund after she informed them of her experience.
Conclusion: Encouragement to Explore Available Benefits
Verade’s story serves as an essential reminder that many Australians may be unaware of the benefits they qualify for. With one phone call, significant savings are attainable. She emphasized, "There are resources available for those on pensions, whether it’s single parents, individuals with disabilities, or older Australians; these aids can ease daily life."
By sharing her experience, Verade hopes to inspire others to explore potential savings and reassess their financial standing, underscoring the importance of being proactive in sorting out what benefits exist.
In summary, the Pensioner Concession Card can provide significant financial relief to eligible Australians, especially during tough times. This simple story of Alyce Verade serves not only to encourage others to uncover benefits but also to action that could lead to substantial savings.
