Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide

Transcription

1 Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12

2 Need another copy? For additional copies of this guide please: visit your local Service Tasmania shop download or browse a copy at.concessions.tas.gov.au phone Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide 11 12

3 premier s message All Tasmanians should have the opportunity to enjoy a reasonable standard of living and access to basic services. In the current environment of increasing cost of living, concessions and discounts are more important than ever in ensuring Tasmanians on low and fixed incomes can maintain a reasonable lifestyle and quality of life. The Tasmanian Government Discount and Concessions Guide helps individuals and families identify their entitlements by providing a comprehensive list of discounts and savings available on a wide range of services provided by government agencies. The Guide contains important information about concessions in areas including electricity, health services, water and sewerage, vehicle registration and public transport. Balancing the household budget is an ongoing challenge so I encourage you to read your copy of the Discounts and Concessions Guide to find out about the concessions and discounts available to you. Lara Giddings Premier Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide

4 How to use this guide The Tasmanian Government offers a wide range of concessions to the broader community and those members of our community with the greatest need people on low or fixed incomes, those with a disability and their carers, seniors, veterans, widows, sole parents and students. This Guide lists all the concessions offered by the State Government to the Tasmanian community and is presented by category, such as transport or education. A range of other design features such as colour coding and the use of icons will also help you locate your entitlements. Important note: Please check the Concessions Guide website at.concessions.tas.gov.au regularly for updates as changes to discounts and concessions could occur during the year. The website will always have the most up to date information. Key Take note of the icons below. They will help you locate the concessions available to you in this guide. A full list of concessions available for each concession card can be found on pages Note: A person may be required to have a Commonwealth Concession Card to be eligible for some concessions provided by the State Government. Concession cards issued by the Commonwealth Government: Pensioner Concession Card issued by both Centrelink Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Concession cards issued by the Tasmanian Government: SC CC Seniors Card Companion Card Concession available to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria: Centrelink Health Care Card CSHC Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Apply online or download an application form 4 Disclaimer: Information contained in this publication is correct at the time of printing. The concessions listed herein are subject to change without notice and at the discretion of the service provider. Government of Tasmania First published August 2011 ISSN

5 Contents Commonwealth concession cards Health Care Card (Centrelink)... 6 Pensioner Concession Card (Centrelink)... 8 Pensioner Concession Card (DVA) Commonwealth Seniors Health Card tasmanian government cards Seniors Card Companion Card Housing Electricity and Heating transport Education Health licences vehicles Parks and heritage Property, WATER and Land Tax Other Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide

6 VEHICLES centrelink health care card Signature of cardholder Health Care Card KEY Issued by Centrelink on behalf of the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Concession Cards Eligibility for the Centrelink Health Care Card is determined by Centrelink. The Centrelink Health Care Card incorporates the foster child Health Care Card, the Ex-Carer Allowance (child) Health Care Card and the Low Income Health Care Card. You may be eligible for a Health Care Card () if you: meet residence requirements receive a qualifying allowance or payment from Centrelink. Foster carers You may be eligible for a if you are a foster carer, or caring for another person s child, including a relative s child for example, if you are a grandparent or an aunt. The card is issued in the name of the child in your care. Ex-Carer carer allowance You may be eligible for a if your carer previously held a Carer Allowance (caring for a child under 16 years) Health Care Card for you prior to you turning 16 years of age. You must be years of age and a full time student. Low income earner You may be eligible for a Low Income Health Care Card if you are a low income earner for example, if you are studying, training, a low wage earner or retired, and if you meet the Low Income Health Care Card income test. If you do not have a but think you may be eligible, you should contact Centrelink. 6 Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide 11 12

7 Concessions available: Phone: Family Assistance Office Centrelink Centrelink has a range of phone numbers depending on which payment you receive. Visit the website to find the number that best suits your needs. Web:.centrelink.gov.au Publication: Centrelink publishes A Guide to Centrelink Concessions Cards online and as a hard copy booklet. VEHICLES Council rates remission Electricity Buses Taxis Patient travel Adult Education Tuition fees Course fees Dental services Community equipment scheme Continuous Positive Airways Pressure Program Enteral feeds and supplements Pharmaceuticals Wigs for cancer and alopecia patients Pressure garments for lymphoedema.. 49 Orthotic/prosthetic Recreational game licence Motor tax (40 per cent rebate) Motor vehicle registration compulsory third party insurance Vehicle registration National Parks passes Overland Track Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens The Hastings Experience and Mole Creek Caves Access to computers and the Internet Right to Information requests Making a Will Micro Business Loan Program Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide

8 Centrelink pensioner concession card KEY Eligibility for the Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card () is determined by Centrelink. You may be eligible to hold a if you meet residence requirements and if you receive any of these payments: Age Pension Bereavement Allowance Carer Payment (adult or child) Disability Support Pension Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance Parenting Payment. You may be eligible for a if you are aged over 60, and have been receiving certain allowances or benefits for more than nine months. You may also be eligible for a if you have a partial capacity to work and are receiving a certain payment or are the principal carer of a dependent child. Phone: Seniors Phone for other card holders: Centrelink has a range of phone numbers to call for information depending on which payment you receive. Go to Centrelink s website and click on Contact Us to find the number that best suits your needs. Web:.centrelink.gov.au Publication: Centrelink publishes A Guide to Centrelink Concessions Cards online and as a hard copy booklet. A hard copy of the guide can be found at Centrelink offices. 8 Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide 11 12

9 Concessions available: Council rates remission Electricity Heating allowance Buses Taxis Bass Strait islands air travel TT Line fares Patient travel Adult Education Tuition fees Course fees...34 Dental services Community equipment scheme Continuous Positive Airways Pressure Program Enteral feeds and supplements Patient travel assistance Pharmaceuticals Visual aids Wigs for cancer and alopecia patients Pressure garments for lymphoedema Orthotic/prosthetic Driver s licence Firearms fees Recreational angling licence Recreational game licence Recreational sea fishing licence Water licence Motor tax (40 per cent rebate) Motor vehicle registration compulsory third party insurance Vehicle registration National Parks passes Overland Track Port Arthur Historic Site Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens The Hastings Experience and Mole Creek Caves Access to computers and the Internet Right to Information requests Making a Will Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide

10 Department of veterans affairs PensionER concession card SAMPLE SAMPLE KEY Eligibility for the Department of Veterans Affairs Pensioner Concession Card () is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). The DVA is available to people who are: service pensioners age pensioners who receive their age pension through the DVA war widows and widowers receiving an income support supplement. To be eligible, you must: be receiving at least the minimum fortnightly payment of $1.00 income support (as listed above) meet Australian residency requirements. Phone: Web:.dva.gov.au 10 Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide 11 12

11 Concessions available: Council rates remission Electricity Heating allowance Buses Taxis Bass Strait islands air travel TT Line fares Patient travel Adult Education Tuition fees Course fees Community equipment scheme Continuous Positive Airways Pressure Program Enteral feeds and supplements Visual aids Orthotic/prosthetic Driver s licence Recreational angling licence Recreational game licence Recreational sea fishing licence Water licence Motor tax (40 per cent rebate) Motor vehicle registration compulsory third party insurance Vehicle registration National Parks passes Overland Track Port Arthur Historic Site Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens The Hastings Experience and Mole Creek Caves Access to computers and the Internet Right to Information requests Making a Will Firearms fees Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide

12 commonwealth seniors health card KEY CSHC The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) is available to self-funded retirees who do not receive a Centrelink or Department of Veterans Affairs income support payment. The CSHC is different to the Seniors Card issued by the Tasmanian Government. You may be eligible for the CSHC if you: meet residence requirements are of age pension age provide you and your partner s Tax File Numbers or provide a valid reason why you cannot do so; and meet an annual adjusted taxable income test. There is no assets test. Phone: Seniors (Centrelink) Web:.centrelink.gov.au Publication: Centrelink publishes A Guide to Centrelink Concessions Cards online and as a hard copy booklet. A hard copy of the guide can be found at Centrelink offices. Taxis Making a Will Parks and heritage (various concessions available) Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide 11 12

13 tasmanian seniors card KEY SC The Tasmanian Seniors Card is a lifestyle card that enables holders to receive discounts from over 630 businesses and government services ranging from transport, electrical and health care through to accommodation, building supplies, clothing, dining and much more. The Tasmanian Seniors Card is available to: Tasmanian residents aged 60 years and over working no more than 20 hours a week in paid employment. You can apply for a Tasmanian Seniors Card over the counter at any Service Tasmania shop. Phone: seniors@dpac.tas.gov.au Web:.seniors.tas.gov.au Mail: Seniors Card Program, GPO Box 123, Hobart Buses Adult Education Recreational angling licence Recreational game licence Recreational sea fishing licence Parks and heritage (various concessions available) Making a Will Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide

14 tasmanian companion card KEY CC The Tasmanian Companion Card is available to people who, due to their disability, require lifelong attendant care to participate at most community facilities and activities. This card allows the holder to receive a second ticket for their companion carer, free of charge, from participating businesses and organisations. Tasmanian residents may be eligible for the Companion Card if they: have a disability need lifelong attendant care due to their disability, are unable to participate at most community events and activities without attendant care. For more information and application forms: Phone: disability@dpac.tas.gov.au Web:.companioncard.gov.au If you are deaf, have a hearing impairment or complex communication needs, use one of the following services to contact the Companion Card Program: Companion Card TT Y (telephone typewriter) on National Relay Service on Speech-to-Speech Relay Service on Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide 11 12

15 housing housing Concessions in this section: Aboriginal housing service Home Share Private rental support scheme Public housing rent assistance Council rates remission Streets Ahead Incentive Program Key Pensioner Concession Card (Centrelink and DVA) Centrelink Health Care Card Apply online or download an application form CSHC SC CC Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Tasmanian Seniors Card Tasmanian Companion Card Available to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide

16 HOUSING Aboriginal housing service Assistance to Aboriginal people on low-incomes to access housing is available to those who: are low-income earners based on income eligibility limits for a Centrelink Health Care Card have financial assets less than $35,000. Eligibility for this assistance is determined by the Office of Aboriginal Affairs under the Government s Policy on Eligibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific programs and services. Phone: housingtasmania2@dhhs.tas.gov.au Web:.dhhs.tas.gov.au/service_information/services_files/housing_tasmania Home Share Assistance for Tasmanians with low incomes to purchase a newly constructed home or an existing Housing Tasmania property or to receive Shared Equity assistance capped at 25 per cent of the property price (up to a maximum of $50,000). To be eligible: your income must be at or below the threshold levels (vary with circumstances) available from Housing Tasmania you must have no interest in any property, including land, and have assets less than $55,000 (current as at May 2011). Phone: (Tassie Home Loans) Web:.dhhs.tas.gov.au/housing/homeshare 16 Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide 11 12

17 Private Rental Support Scheme Assistance is available to eligible people who are having difficulty accessing or staying in the private rental market. Assistance is available to: low-income earners based on income eligibility limits for a Centrelink Health Care Card some single people whose income exceeds the Centrelink Health Care Card threshold by up to 20 per cent some couples whose income exceeds the Centrelink Health Care Card threshold by up to 10 per cent. South: (CA$H Colony Assistance Service for Housing) North: (Anglicare Private Rental Assistance) North West: (Devonport) or (Burnie) (Anglicare Private Rental Assistance) cash@colony47.com.au (South) Web:.dhhs.tas.gov.au/housing/private_rental housing Public housing rent assistance Assistance is available to public housing tenants on a low income and who have less than $35,000 of financial assets. based on income eligibility limits for a Centrelink Health Care Card. Tenants pay a contribution towards the market rent calculated on their income. Phone: (Clarence Service Hub) (Glenorchy Service Hub) (Launceston Service Hub) (Burnie Service Hub) Web:.dhhs.tas.gov.au/housing Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide

18 HOUSING Council rates remission A 30 per cent reduction on local government rates and charges (capped at a maximum amount each year) is available to a person who on July 1 each year holds a: Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession Card Centrelink Health Care Card Repatriation Health War Widow or TPI Gold Card. The card holder must occupy the property as their principal place of residence and be legally responsible for the rates on that property. All initial enquiries should be made to your relevant local council. Streets Ahead Incentive Program The program provides assistance to Tasmanians on low incomes to buy a property from Housing Tasmania. To be eligible for some or all of the Streets Ahead incentives an applicant s household: income must be at, or below eligible threshold levels, which vary with circumstances assets must be worth less than $55,000. Phone: Web:.dhhs.tas.gov.au/housing/streets_ahead_incentive_program 18 Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide 11 12

19 Electricity and Heating Concessions in this section: Electricity ELECTRICITY AND HEATING Heating allowance Life support machine rebate Key Pensioner Concession Card (Centrelink and DVA) Centrelink Health Care Card CSHC SC CC Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Tasmanian Seniors Card Tasmanian Companion Card Apply online or download an application form Available to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide

20 ELECTRICITY AND HEATING Electricity An all-year rebate of cents per day from 1 July 2011 for regulated customers and from 13 July 2011 for Aurora Pay As You Go customers is available to people who have a: Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession Card Centrelink Health Care Card. The rebate will be increased in line with electricity price increases. People who become eligible for the rebate during the year must apply for the rebate. Contact Aurora Energy for more information. Eligible concession customers accessing Aurora Pay As You Go do not pay the daily fixed charge. Phone: mail@auroraenergy.com.au Web:.auroraenergy.com.au Heating allowance An allowance of $56 a year is made to eligible pensioners to assist with heating costs. Payments of $28 are made in May and September. The allowance is available to people who hold a: Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession Card. A single pensioner must not have more than $1,750* in cash assets and married/de facto pensioners must not have more than $2,750.* *Other conditions also apply. Phone: Web:.dhhs.tas.gov.au 20 Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide 11 12

21 Life support machine rebate The rebate for life support machines varies according to the type of machine installed, and is available to people who: are eligible on medical grounds and have a life support machine installed live with someone who uses a life support machine. The approved life support systems and per-day discounts, currently as at 1 July 2011 are as follows: Oxygen concentrator, cents per day Peritoneal dialysis machine, cents per day Haemo-dialysis machine, cents per day Chronic positive pressure and airways regulator, cents per day Respirator (iron lung), cents per day OXCP (combination of 1 and 4 above), cents per day Phototherapy, cents per day. Phone: ELECTRICITY AND HEATING Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide

22 TRANSPORT transport Concessions in this section: Metro/Merseylink buses Other bus operators Student travel Visually impaired bus concessions Taxis Island transport services TT Line Patient travel assistance Key Pensioner Concession Card (Centrelink and DVA) Centrelink Health Care Card CSHC SC CC Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Tasmanian Seniors Card Tasmanian Companion Card Apply online or download an application form Available to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria 22 Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide 11 12

23 AB Metro/Merseylink Buses Adult concession An adult concession fare for bus travel is available to people who hold a: Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession Card Centrelink Health Care Card Seniors Card (all states and territories) or are aged 70 years and over DVA war widows. Metro Phone: Web:.metrotas.com.au Merseylink Phone: Web:.merseylink.com.au National Relay Service TTY/Voice: Speak & Listen (SSR): Web:.relayservice.com.au SC TRANSPORT Greencard Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide

24 TRANSPORT Seniors concession Metro: Seniors Card holders can purchase adult concession fares on all Metro services. Using a Metro Greencard can earn an additional 25 per cent bonus travel credit. Contact Metro for details. Merseylink: $3.00 discount price for Merseylink DayTripper ticket available 9.00am Monday Saturday. These rates are available to holders of a: Seniors Card (all states and territories). Metro Phone: correspondence@metrotas.com.au Web:.metrotas.com.au Merseylink Phone: admin@merseylink.com.au Web:.merseylink.com.au National Relay Service TTY/Voice: Speak & Listen (SSR): Web:.relayservice.com.au Tasmanian Companion Card Cardholders are issued with a second ticket for their companion at no charge. Metro Phone: correspondence@metrotas.com.au Web:.metrotas.com.au National Relay Service TTY/Voice: Speak & Listen (SSR): Web:.relayservice.com.au SC CC 24 Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide 11 12

25 Other bus operators Pensioner and unemployed concession A 50 per cent concession on the approved adult base fare is available to people who receive the: Age or Widow Pension and have a Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession Card Newstart or Youth Allowance and have a Centrelink Health Care Card. For more information contact your operator. TRANSPORT Seniors concession A concession of between 10 per cent and 20 per cent on the approved adult base fare may be provided at the discretion of individual operators to: Tasmanian Seniors Card holders. For more information contact your operator. SC Student travel Refer to listings in the Education section on page 37. Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide

26 TRANSPORT Visually impaired BUS concessions Metro/Merseylink Visually impaired people and their accompanying mobility instructor travel for free. Companion Card holders are issued with a second ticket for their companion at no charge. Metro Phone: correspondence@metrotas.com.au Web:.metrotas.com.au Merseylink Phone: admin@merseylink.com.au Web:.merseylink.com.au National Relay Service TTY/Voice: Speak & Listen (SSR): Web:.relayservice.com.au Other bus operators A 50 per cent concession on the approved adult base fare is available to visually impaired people who have a: Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession Card for Disability Support Pension (Blind). The concession is also available to an accompanying mobility instructor. For more information contact your operator. 26 Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide 11 12

27 Taxis Transport Access Scheme 50 per cent taxi concession A 50 per cent concession on the cost of travel by non-wheelchair accessible taxi is available to people: with a permanent and severe disability who have been assessed as meeting eligibility criteria for membership of the Transport Access Scheme. Who have a: Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession Card Centrelink Health Care Card Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. A maximum subsidy of $25 per single journey applies. Phone: passenger.transport@dier.tas.gov.au Web:.transport.tas.gov.au CSHC TRANSPORT Transport Access Scheme 60 per cent taxi concession A 60 per cent concession on the cost of travel in a wheelchair accessible taxi is available to people: with a permanent and severe disability who have been assessed as meeting eligibility criteria for membership of the Transport Access Scheme, and who are totally wheelchair reliant. A maximum subsidy of $30 per single journey applies. Phone: passenger.transport@dier.tas.gov.au Web:.transport.tas.gov.au Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide

28 TRANSPORT Island Transport services Bass Strait islands air travel A rebate of 50 per cent on the cost of one return trip to Northern Tasmania per financial year is available to age pensioners living on Bass Strait islands who have a: Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession Card. Phone: passenger.transport@dier.tas.gov.au Web:.transport.tas.gov.au Bruny Island ferry service Concession details are available from the operator. Phone: enquiries@brunyislandferry.com.au Web:.brunyislandferry.com.au TT Line Passenger fares on the Spirit of Tasmania Discounts on selected passenger fares* are available to cardholders of a Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession Card. Cardholders are required to provide their pension card number and verify they receive a full government pension. Check the website for details and availability. * Applicable to selected passenger fares, subject to availability. Phone: reservations@spiritoftasmania.com.au Web:.spiritoftasmania.com.au 28 Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide 11 12

29 Patient travel assistance Financial assistance is available for Tasmanians required to: travel more than 75 kilometres one way to access specialist medical services or lymphoedema treatment not available locally travel more than 50 kilometres one way to access the nearest renal and oncology treatment centre and the patient is ineligible for assistance from other sources (e.g. MAIB, Workers Compensation). Levels of assistance are determined by the distance, type of travel and accommodation required. Client contribution towards costs are reduced for holders of a: Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession Card (except for DVA Gold Card and in some cases White Card) Centrelink Health Care Card. For more information contact the Patient Travel Coordinator: Phone: (Royal Hobart Hospital) (Launceston General Hospital) (North West Regional Hospital) Web:.dhhs.tas.gov.au/ptas TRANSPORT Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide

30 EDUCATION education Concessions in this section: Adult Education Primary school, high school and secondary college Tasmanian Polytechnic...33 Student accommodation Student travel Key Pensioner Concession Card (Centrelink and DVA) Centrelink Health Care Card CSHC SC CC Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Tasmanian Seniors Card Tasmanian Companion Card Apply online or download an application form Available to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria 30 Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide 11 12

31 Adult Education Adult Education course concession Concessions on fees for most Adult Education courses are available to holders of a: Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession Card Centrelink Health Care Card Tasmanian Seniors Card; and Full-time students. South Phone: North Phone: North West Phone: Web: SC EDUCATION Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide

32 EDUCATION Primary school (K 6), High School and Secondary College Student assistance Assistance towards the cost of school levies may be available to low income families with: full-time students from kindergarten to year 12 at state and non-government schools students enrolled part-time due to genuine hardship (such as illness, disability or family breakdown). Assistance is based on a family s taxable income and the number of dependent children. Assistance is also available to grandparents raising grandchildren, however, the grandparents income is not assessed. Grandparents must provide proof that their grandchildren are now legally in their care. Phone: FAU@education.tas.gov.au Web:.education.tas.gov.au/school/parents/costs/assistance Or contact the student s school. Spectacles assistance Assistance to buy spectacles may be available to low income families with: full-time students from kindergarten to year 12 at state and non-government schools students enrolled part-time due to genuine hardship (such as illness, disability or family breakdown). 32 Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide 11 12

33 Assistance is based on a family s taxable income and the number of dependent children. Assistance is also available to grandparents raising grandchildren, however, the grandparents income is not assessed. Grandparents must provide proof that their grandchildren are now legally in their care. Phone: FAU@education.tas.gov.au Web:.education.tas.gov.au/school/parents/costs/assistance EDUCATION School uniform exceptional assistance scheme Assistance may be given to buy school uniforms for: students in exceptional circumstances. Contact a social worker at the student s school. tasmanian polytechnic Tuition fee concession A reduction on the normal tuition fee for each unit or module is available to enrolled students who hold a: Centrelink or DVA Pensioner Concession Card Centrelink Health Care Card (for certain benefits only). Or who receive: Austudy Abstudy Youth Allowance Newstart. Note: Capping also applies. Phone: Web:.polytechnic.tas.edu.au Tasmanian Government Concessions Guide