Concessions. Overview This Factsheet provides information about concessions available within Tasmania.

Transcription

1 s DVA Factsheet CON06 s in Tasmania Overview This Factsheet provides information about concessions available within Tasmania. The Tasmanian concessions are primarily state concessions or concessions offered within the metropolitan area of Hobart. Many local councils also offer concessions to residents, sometimes in addition to state concessions. Check with your local council to find out more about other concessions in your area. Who determines what the concessions are? The relevant Australian Government and State authorities and businesses determine what concessions to offer, and who is eligible for those concessions. DVA does not determine what concessions are available from the concession providers. The type of concession and eligibility requirements are determined by the relevant Australian Government and State authorities and businesses that provide those concessions. Who is eligible for a concession? Where possible, this Factsheet will list the eligibility requirements for each particular concession. The requirements will normally relate to whether you are eligible for certain types of DVA cards or whether you receive a certain type of DVA pension. Proving your Eligibility In many cases you will be able to prove your eligibility by presenting a DVA card such as the Pensioner Card (PCC) or the DVA Gold Card. In situations where this does not apply the concession providers will tell you what confirmation they require. Changes to concessions The information given in this Factsheet is based on information provided to us and to the best of our knowledge is correct. s may change at any time and the details should always be confirmed with the provider. CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 1 of 20

2 s in Tasmania, continued Health concessions Treatment Cards If you have a DVA treatment card (Gold or White Card) you should always use this card for medical, hospital, pharmaceutical and allied health services. Pharmaceutical benefits Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. PCC holders are eligible for pharmaceuticals under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) at $5.60 per prescription. Your pharmacist can tell you which pharmaceuticals are listed under the scheme. Premiums charged by manufacturers may apply to some alternative brands/medicines. Once you have spent the PBS Safety Net threshold amount on PBS medicines, you will receive free PBS medicines for the rest of the year. Department of Health and Ageing: National Diabetes Services Scheme Australian residents who have been diagnosed with diabetes by a doctor or Credentialed Diabetes Educator (CDE), and hold a current Australian Medicare card or DVA file number. A range of Australian Government approved products are available at subsidised prices for persons who are registered with the National Diabetes Services Scheme. National Diabetes Services Scheme: Hearing services Pensioner Card (PCC) holders DVA Gold Card holders DVA White Card holders where the card is issued specifically for hearing reasons. CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 2 of 20

3 s in Tasmania, continued Hearing services, continued Hearing assessments and hearing rehabilitation are available through the Office of Hearing Services. Hearing assessments and hearing rehabilitation, including provision and fitting of some hearing aids, are available free of charge. Office of Hearing Services: or TTY Dental Services Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. Free emergency services and subsidised general services and dentures are available. Hobart: (03) Launceston: (03) Burnie: (03) Devonport: (03) Patient travel assistance Pensioner Card (PCC) holders - excludes DVA clients who have their travel for treatment covered by DVA. Financial assistance is available to all Tasmanians who need to travel more than 75 kilometres one way within the State or interstate to access specialist medical services that are not available in their local area, providing they do not qualify for other assistance such as Motor Accident Insurance Board (MAIB) or workers compensation. Levels of assistance are determined by the distance, the type of travel and accommodation required. CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 3 of 20

4 s in Tasmania, continued Patient travel assistance, continued For more information contact the Patient Travel Coordinator: Royal Hobart Hospital: (03) Launceston General Hospital: (03) North West Regional Hospital: (03) Visual Aids Pensioner Card (PCC) holders - excludes Gold Card holders and White Card holders eligible for treatment of eye disabilities through DVA. Card holders must be permanent Tasmanian residents for at least three continuous months immediately prior to application. Subsidies of 70 per cent are available on: scheduled items such as lens, basic frame, and extras low vision aids, non-cosmetic contact lenses, prostheses and intra-ocular implants (up to $ per item). People with private health insurance are ineligible. Department Health & Human Services Community Equipment Scheme Pensioner Card (PCC) holders who have been referred by an authorised prescriber. Financial assistance is available to eligible clients who require: mobility and personal care aids and equipment specialised footwear basic home modifications continence aids appliances to enhance their safety and quality of life. CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 4 of 20

5 s in Tasmania, continued Community Equipment Scheme, continued Terms and conditions are outlined in the CES Guidelines available from the Department of Health and Human Services. Department Health & Human Services Orthotics/prosthetics Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. A free basic orthotics and prosthetics service is provided to eligible people whose costs are not met by other organisations such as MAIB, workers compensation or DVA. Clients are charged for more advanced and specialised technology. Orthotic and Prosthetic Service: South: (03) North: (03) North West: (03) Breast Prosthesis Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. Financial assistance is available to people requiring external breast prostheses. Contact your medical specialist or The Cancer Council of Tasmania: infotas@cancertas.org.au CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 5 of 20

6 s in Tasmania, continued Lymphoedema Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. Financial assistance is available to people requiring compression garments to help manage lymphoedema. Royal Hobart Hospital Physiotherapy: (03) Royal Hobart Hospital Occupational Therapy: (03) Launceston General Hospital Physiotherapy: (03) North West Regional Hospital Physiotherapy: (03) (south): Wigs Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. Financial assistance to buy wigs is available to cancer and alopecia patients who are referred by a doctor. Contact your medical specialist or Service Tasmania: Enteral feeds and supplements Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. Tube feeds and oral nutrition supplements are supplied at subsidised cost to eligible people who: have serious medical conditions that affect their ability to meet nutritional requirements with normal food and drink; and are assessed by a dietician or doctor as requiring nutrition support. The subsidised supplements are only available to individuals who are not eligible for financial assistance from any other government-funded program. CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 6 of 20

7 s in Tasmania, continued Enteral feeds and supplements, continued Royal Hobart Hospital: (03) Launceston General Hospital: (03) North West Regional Hospital: (03) Continuous Positive Airways Pressure Program Pensioner Card (PCC) holders who have a referral from a sleep specialist. Financial assistance is available to people who have been clinically assessed as having a sleep-related breathing disorder which requires a continuous positive airways pressure machine. Please consult your medical specialist. Service Tasmania: Royal Hobart Hospital Department of Respiratory Medicine: (03) Launceston General Hospital Respiratory Unit: (03) (south): rhh.respiratory@dhhs.tas.gov.au Transport s Public transport Eligibility for 50% A concession of around 50% of normal public transport fares applies to PCC holders and holders of a DVA Gold Card embossed with war widow/er. Eligibility for Free Travel Holders of a DVA Gold Card embossed with TPI or EDA and WW1 Spouses are entitled to free travel registration with Metro Tasmania is required. CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 7 of 20

8 s in Tasmania, continued Public transport, continued Metro Tasmania: Spirit of Tasmania Cabin Fares Pensioner Card (PCC) holders - limited berths are available per trip. A concession of up to a 37 per cent is available on cabin fares. Spirit of Tasmania: Bass Strait Islands air travel concessions Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. A rebate of 50 per cent of the cost of one return trip to Northern Tasmania per financial year is available to aged residents of Bass Strait islands who have a Pensioner Card. Application forms can be downloaded from Department of Infrastructure, Energy & Resources: (03) passenger.transport@dier.tas.gov.au Bruny Island ferry service concessions Pensioner Card (PCC) holders Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) holders. - PCC For vehicles less than 5 metres in length, a visitor pensioners peak and off-peak fare of $15 is available to PCC holders. For vehicles between 5 and 6 metres in length, a visitor peak fare of $30 and off-peak fares of $25 is available to PCC holders. CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 8 of 20

9 s in Tasmania, continued Bruny Island ferry service concessions, continued - CSHC For vehicles less than 5 metres in length, a visitor seniors peak fare of $22 and off-peak fare of $20 is available to people who have a CSHC. For vehicles between 5 and 6 metres in length, a visitor peak fare of $34 and off-peak fares of $30 is available to people who have a CSHC. Department of Infrastructure, Energy & Resources: (03) passenger.transport@dier.tas.gov.au Great Southern Railway (GSR) Services Fare Pensioner Card (PCC) holders Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) holders. Fare PCC & CSHC Holders PCC & CSHC holders are eligible for a discount of up to 55% from Great Southern Railway (GSR) for the following rail journeys: The Ghan The Indian Pacific The Overland. Special Veteran Travel - Veterans receiving disability pension at the Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (T&PI) rate Veterans receiving disability pension at the Extreme Disablement Adjustment (EDA) rate Veterans receiving disability pension at the Intermediate rate Veterans receiving disability pension at the Blind rate Service Pensioners on the Blind rate Disability Pensioners receiving the Specific Disability amount Items 1-14 listed under Section 27 of the Veterans Entitlements Act 1986, i.e. suffering loss of limb Widows of WWI Australian veterans (do not have to be in receipt of DVA pension). Special Veterans Travel This concession provides either: free rail travel in a Gold Service Sleeper Cabin (formerly known as First Class) over the Commonwealth owned track only. The free component includes a sleeping berth only and does not include any Gold Service meal charges or Fuel Price Surcharges; or free rail travel in a Red Service Sleeper Cabin (formerly known as holiday Class) which includes a sleeping berth (if applicable) over the Commonwealth owned track only. Meals can be purchased in Red Service. Fuel Price Surcharges also apply. CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 9 of 20

10 s in Tasmania, continued Great Southern Railway (GSR) Services, continued The following sections of GSR journeys are covered by the concession: the Indian Pacific between Broken Hill and Kalgoorlie the Overland between Wolseley and Adelaide the Ghan between Adelaide and Darwin. Carers for Special veterans are also entitled to a concession. A medical certificate must be obtained stating the veteran/widow/widowers and carer s names and that the veteran/widow/widowers requires care for the journey. The carer does not have to be in receipt of a carer s pension or be related to the person travelling. Refer to Factsheet IS152 Great Southern Railway Travel for more information. Great Southern Rail: Taxi Travel - Transport Access Scheme Pensioner Card (PCC) holders Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) holders. The card holder must have a permanent and severe disability and have been assessed as meeting eligibility criteria for membership of the Transport Access Scheme. Eligible persons receive a concession of 50 per cent on the cost of travel by non-wheelchair accessible taxi. A maximum subsidy of $25 per single journey applies. Application forms can be downloaded from Note: For taxi travel relating to the treatment of accepted disabilities you should use your DVA treatment card (Gold card or White card). For more information refer to Factsheet HSV02 Entitlements under the Repatriation Transport Scheme. Department of Infrastructure, Energy & Resources: (03) passenger.transport@dier.tas.gov.au CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 10 of 20

11 s in Tasmania, continued Household s Australia Post Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. Australia Post will re-direct mail at a discounted rate after PCC holders change their address. Australia Post will deliver some items that aid the visually impaired free of charge or at concessional rates for PCC holders. Australia Post: Telstra Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. Telstra offer a number of concessions to PCC holders, including: a discount on new telephone service connection fee a reduction in your home line plan costs. For more information you can request a brochure from Telstra called Pensioner Benefits which details the concessions that they provide. Telstra: Low Cost Internet Connection DVA entitlement card holders Age pensioners Disability support pensioners. CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 11 of 20

12 s in Tasmania, continued Low Cost Internet Connection, continued Technical Aid to the Disabled (TAD) Australia with internet provider ISPOne have negotiated a partnership to provide aged pensioners, veterans and people with disabilities throughout Australia with access to a low cost Internet service. This enables people who hold a DVA Entitlement Card, or receive Age Pension or Disability Support Pension to go online at a reduced cost. Please refer to the TAD Australia website for information on costs. TADAust Connect: Website tadaustconnect.org.au/ Electricity Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. PCC holders receive a pensioner rebate on electricity costs of cents per day. It is administered by Aurora Energy on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services. Aurora Energy: Department of Health and Human Services Life Support Electricity Discount Aurora Energy provides an electricity discount to customers who use an approved life support system, or live with someone who uses one. Certification of medical requirement by a treating physician is required. The discount is approximately fifty per cent of the cost to run the life support system. Aurora Energy: CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 12 of 20

13 s in Tasmania, continued Heating Allowance Service Pensioners receiving the maximum rate of pension Age Pensioners receiving the maximum rate of pension. Additional criteria applies contact the Department of Health & Human Services for more information. The State Department of Community and Health Services pays a means tested allowance to eligible people to help with heating costs for wood, oil, gas and electricity. The heating allowance is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. Department of Health and Human Services: Rates Pensioner Card (PCC) holders Veterans receiving disability pension at the Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (T&PI) rate War Widows pension recipients. The eligible person must occupy the property as their principle place of residence and be legally responsible for the rates on that property. Applications must be made before March 31 in the relevant year. Eligible persons receive a 30 per cent reduction (capped at a maximum amount each year) on local government rates and charges. Pensioners in institutional care and their spouses may also be eligible under certain circumstances. Check with your local council ding=s&subheading=council+rates+concessions CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 13 of 20

14 s in Tasmania, continued Vehicle s Drivers Licences Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. PCC holders are eligible for a discount on their drivers license. There is no licence fee for people 65 and over, however there is a small charge if a photo is needed. Department of infrastructure Energy & Resources (Transport): Tes@dier.tas.gov.au Motor Vehicle Registration Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. Discounts on motor vehicle registration fees are available for: motor vehicles (other than motorcycles) not over 4.5 tonnes trailers (including caravans) motorcycles. Department of infrastructure Energy & Resources (Transport): Tes@dier.tas.gov.au Motor Tax 40 per cent rebate Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. The 40 per cent rebate on motor tax (which is included in motor vehicle registration) is available for goods vehicles (such as utes and vans) not over 4.5 tonnes that are not used for trade or business. CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 14 of 20

15 s in Tasmania, continued Motor Tax 40 per cent rebate, continued Department of infrastructure Energy & Resources (Transport): Motor Tax 100 per cent rebate Veterans receiving disability pension at the Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (T&PI) rate. The 100 per cent rebate on motor tax (which is included in motor vehicle registration) is available for a vehicle with a gross vehicle mass less than three tonnes which is not used for trade or business. Note: This concession only applies to one vehicle registered in the name of the eligible person. Department of infrastructure Energy & Resources (Transport): Tes@dier.tas.gov.au Motor vehicle registration compulsory third party insurance Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. A concession on MAIB third party insurance premiums is available for motor vehicles (other than motorcycles) not over 4.5 tonnes. Department of infrastructure Energy & Resources (Transport): Tes@dier.tas.gov.au CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 15 of 20

16 s in Tasmania, continued Motor Vehicle Duty Veterans receiving disability pension at the Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (T&PI) rate. A 100 per cent exemption from duty on vehicle registration applications and transfers is available to T&PI Pensioners. Note: This concession only applies to one vehicle registered in the name of the eligible person. Department of infrastructure Energy & Resources (Transport): Tes@dier.tas.gov.au Motor Vehicle GST exemption Veterans receiving disability pension at the Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (T&PI) rate and other veterans as specified in Factsheet DP79 Supply of Cars and Car Parts GST Free. Eligible veterans are entitled to GST exemption on the purchase of new cars (once every 2 years or 40,000 km). GST exemption is also available on spare parts necessary for the running of a motor car. Refer to Factsheet DP79 Supply of Cars and Car Parts GST Free. For more information Application forms are available from DVA, but contact your local Australian Taxation Office for details of exempt items. Australian Taxation Office: CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 16 of 20

17 s in Tasmania, continued Other s Recreational Sea Fishing Licences Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. A 50 per cent discount on the licence application fee is available to PCC holders. Department of Primary Industries and Water: (03) fishing.enquiries@dpiw.tas.gov.au Recreational Angling License Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. Savings on angling licences are available to PCC holders. Inland Fisheries Service: (03) infish@ifs.tas.gov.au Recreational Game License Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. A 20 per cent discount for recreational game licences applies for: deer wallaby mutton-bird pheasant wild duck brown quail. CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 17 of 20

18 s in Tasmania, continued Recreational Game License, continued Game Licenses: (03) Department of Primary Industries and Water: (03) Firearm Fees Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. A 20 per cent rebate on fees is available to PCC holders. Police Tasmania: (03) firearms@police.tas.gov.au TAFE Tasmania Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. A two-thirds reduction on the normal tuition fee for each unit or module is available to enrolled students. TAFE Tasmania: Adult Education course concession Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. s are available on fees for most Adult Education courses. Adult Education Tasmania: (03) CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 18 of 20

19 s in Tasmania, continued Wills Pensioner Card (PCC) holders. Where the Public Trustee (TPT) is appointed sole executor there is no charge for PCC holders. Tasmania Public Trustee: Recreational Activities s are available for a number of parks and recreational sites throughout Tasmania. Check with the provider to see if you are eligible for a concession. More Information about s State Seniors Card Different concessions may be available for holders of Seniors Cards. All State Governments issue their own Seniors Card. Eligibility for this card is determined by each state and is usually based on age and/or the number of hours worked per week. In most states you must be over 60 years. s vary between states but may include discounts on travel, licences or household expenses, as well as on goods and services. In 2009 the National Transport Scheme was introduced, allowing holders of Seniors Cards to access public transport concessions throughout Australia. Previously holders of Seniors Cards could only access public transport concessions in the state in which the card was issued. State Government issued Seniors Cards are also often accepted at local businesses and may be accepted where a PCC or Gold Card is not. For more information on the TAS Seniors Card Seniors Bureau: seniors@dpac.tas.gov.au CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 19 of 20

20 s in Tasmania, continued Tasmanian Government Guide The Tasmanian Government publishes a concession guide that outlines the various concessions available to Tasmanian residents. The guide is available in an online format from the Department of Premier and Cabinet website - When to contact DVA Contact DVA: to report a lost card to notify us of a change of address for information about eligibility for Australian Government concessions for information about the issue of a PCC. Contact the authority or business administering the concession for: information about the eligibility for a concession details about the rate of concessions. Other Factsheets Other Factsheets relating to this topic include: IS125 Pensioner Card IS152 Great Southern Railway Travel IS160 Overview of Cards Available to Veterans and Their Dependants DP79 Supply of Cars and Car Parts GST Free HSV02 Entitlements under the Repatriation Transport Scheme. More information All DVA Factsheets are available from DVA offices, and on the DVA website at You can phone DVA for the cost of a local call on or for country callers. Use a normal landline phone if you can. Mobile phone calls may cost you more. You can send an to DVA at: GeneralEnquiries@dva.gov.au. You can get more help from any DVA office. CON06 - Last updated: 10 Feb 12 Page 20 of 20