Single Mother Saves Over $800 with a Phone Call
In a remarkable story of financial relief, single mother Alyce Verade recently shared how she obtained refunds exceeding $800 simply by contacting the relevant authorities. As a mother of three, she found every bit of savings beneficial to her family’s needs.
Verade is a recipient of the Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card, which permits access to various concessions, including reduced medical costs and free car registration and driver’s licenses in New South Wales (NSW). After learning about the potential refunds for her car registration and license fees, she reached out to Services NSW to explore her eligibility.
"I was so shocked to find out I qualified for that," she explained. Her journey began when she heard about these benefits from her hairdresser, prompting her to inquire. Upon calling, the staff informed her that she was eligible for a refund—not only for her $692 car registration but also a portion of her driver’s license fees, which added up to more than $200. The total refund amounted to over $800, a welcome boost to her household finances.
Verade, who has had the Pensioner Concession Card since December 2023 and receives the Single Parenting Payment, detailed the simplicity of the process: “They were so helpful. It was over and all done within 10 minutes.” During her call, she provided her Centrelink number and her latest transaction details with Service NSW.
The benefits available to those holding a Pensioner Concession Card cover exemption from fees on vehicle registration, motor vehicle tax, and stamp duty in NSW, while also being eligible for free licences and other fee waivers. However, the specifics of these benefits may differ across states and territories; for instance, in Victoria, cardholders receive a 50% discount on vehicle registrations, while Queensland offers concessions to lessen vehicle registration costs.
Verade’s newfound $800 will greatly aid her family’s daily expenses. She currently juggles three casual jobs, including roles in retail and as a teacher’s aide, while raising her three children aged 7, 6, and 3. She emphasised the funds will contribute towards groceries, bills, and school clothes, reflecting the pressing need for financial support among single parents.
In her outreach about the benefits, Verade encouraged others to explore available assistance, highlighting that it sometimes only takes a single phone call to uncover substantial savings. "One of my friends, I contacted as soon as I found out. She’s getting $500 back," she said, urging fellow Australians receiving pensions—be it through single parenting, disability, or age pension—to investigate their entitlements, which could offer significant financial relief in their daily lives.
Those interested in applying for a Pensioner Concession Card can do so if they receive specific payments from Services Australia, such as the Age Pension, Carer Payment, or Parenting Payment. Eligibility does not require a separate application as Services Australia automatically issues the card to qualified individuals.
Local councils and governmental bodies also provide additional benefits for cardholders, potentially easing costs for utilities, property rates, public transport fares, and more. Verade’s experience serves as a reminder of the helpful resources available to assist vulnerable Australians.
Conclusion
Verade’s experience exemplifies the hidden financial opportunities within government programs that can significantly ease the burdens of everyday expenses for those in need. In these challenging times, her story serves as an inspiring call to action, encouraging others to uncover similar benefits that can contribute to a more manageable financial situation.
