Ministers Forward

Victorianconcessions
AguidetodiscountsandservicesforeligiblehouseholdsinVictoria
Toreceivethispublicationinanaccessibleformatphone1800658521,usingtheNationalRelayService133677ifrequired,
AuthorisedandpublishedbytheVictorianGovernment,1TreasuryPlace,Melbourne.
©StateofVictoria,April 2017
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ISBN978-0-7311-7091-3(Print)
ISBN978-0-7311-7092-0(Online)
Available atConcessions and benefits
(1607033)

Contents

Ministers’ forward

Introduction

Contacts

Some definitions

Interpreting services

General information about concessions

Essential services concessions

Energy concessions

Annual electricity concession

Excess electricity concession

Controlled load electricity concession

Electricity transfer fee waiver

Life support concession

Medical cooling concession

Service to property charge concession

Winter gas concession

Excess gas concession

Non-mains energy concession

Rates and property concessions

Municipal rates concession

Fire services property levy concession

Water concessions

Water and Sewerage Concession

Non-mains water concession

Hardship

Utility relief grant scheme (mains)

Utility relief grant scheme (non-mains)

Water and sewerage connection scheme

Other concessions and services

Communication

Education

Energy

Finance

Health

Income

Rates and property

Recreation

Transport

Contacts

Victorian Government

Commonwealth Government

Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Emergency assistance

Health

Interpreter and translating services

Transport

Energy retailers

Water corporations

Energy and Water Ombudsman

Ministers’forward

TheVictorianGovernmentwantsallVictorianstohaveequalaccesstoimportanteverydayservicesandopportunities.

ThroughVictoria’sconcessionprogram,we’reprovidingahelpinghandtopeoplewhoneeditmostbymakingessentialgoodsandservicesmoreaffordable.WewantallVictorianstobeabletomeetthecostsofliving,tofullyparticipateinthecommunityandreachtheirpotential.

Concessionshelplow-incomeearnerstoaffordessentialservicessuchashousing,water,energy,health,educationandtransport.Thismeansmorepeoplecangetthegoodsandservicestheyneedtosustainbetterlivingstandards,andimprovetheirhealthandwellbeing.

Victoria’sconcessionsprogramsupportsover911,000Victorianhouseholdstopayforvitalservices.

Thisguidehasbeendesignedtomakeiteasierforpeopletoidentifyandapplyforconcessionsthatsuittheirneeds.Itincludesvaluableinformationabouthowhouseholdconcessionscanhelpmeetthecostofrates,water,energyandgasbills.

We’repleasedtopresentthisguidetotheVictorianconcessionsprogramsoallVictorianscanequallyaccesstheservicestheyneedandenjoyagoodqualityoflife.

JennyMikakosMP

MinisterforFamiliesandChildren

MartinFoleyMP

MinisterforHousing,DisabilityandAgeing

Introduction

TheVictorianGovernmentoffersconcessionstomakeessentialservices–rates,water,electricityandgas–moreaffordableforlow-incomehouseholdsandtohelpoutwithbillsintimesofhardship.

Concessionsarealsoavailableonhealth,education,transportandotherservicesforeligiblepeopleandfamilies.

Thisguideoutlinesconcessionsthatcanhelpyoupayyourbills,whoiseligibleforconcessions,howtoapplyforthemandwhotocontactformoreinformation.

Contacts

Formoreinformationabouttheconcessionsprogram,phone the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521 (toll free) or visittheConcessions and benefits website <

Somedefinitions

Backdate–toapplyaconcessionfromadateinthepast

Concession–discountoramounttakenoffyourbill

Domestic–household,notbusiness

Eligible–meettherequirements

Essentialservices–servicesessentialtolife–gas,electricity,water

Retailer–thecompanythatsendsyouthebills

Interpretingservices

ForhelpinlanguagesotherthanEnglish,phonetheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521(tollfree)andaskforaninterpreter.

Generalinformationaboutconcessions

Whatareconcessions? / Concessionsarediscountsonservicestohelplow‑incomeVictorianhouseholdspaytheirbills.
Concessionsareavailableforessentialservices–electricity,gas,waterandcouncilrates–andforotherservicessuchashealth,educationandpublictransport.
Concessionsaregivenasadeductiononabilloradiscountedprice.
Whoiseligibleforaconcession? / Anypersonwhoholdsaneligibleconcessioncard.
Formostconcessions,youwillneedtohaveoneofthesecards:
•CentrelinkHealthCareCard(cardsissuedinthenameofachildarenoteligible)
•CentrelinkPensionerConcessionCard
•Veterans’AffairsPensionerConcessionCard
•Veterans’AffairsGoldCardforallconditions
Checkthedetailsforeachconcessiontoseeifyourcardallowsyoutogetaconcession.
Usuallytoclaimaconcessionyoumustbetheaccountholder.
IhaveaCommonwealthSeniorsHealthCard;canIgetconcessionswiththiscard? / No.TheCommonwealthSeniorsHealthCardisnoteligibleforconcessionsonelectricity,gas,waterorcouncilrates.
CommonwealthSeniorsHealthCardholdersreceivediscountsonPharmaceuticalBenefitsScheme(PBS)prescriptionmedicinesandotherbenefits.
IhaveaVictorianSeniorsCard;canIgetconcessionswiththiscard? / No.TheVictorianSeniorsCardisnoteligibleforconcessionsonelectricity,gas,waterorcouncilrates.
SeniorsCardholderscanaccessdiscountedpublictransportandawiderangeofdiscountsfromparticipatingbusinesses.
HowdoIgetaconcessioncard? / ConcessioncardsareissuedbytheCommonwealthGovernment.
Toapplyforaconcessioncard,contactCentrelinkortheDepartmentofVeterans’Affairs.SeetheContactssection.
HowdoIapplyforaconcession? / Mostconcessionsaregiventoyouasadeductiononyourbill.Toreceiveaconcession,youmustcontactthecompanythatbillsyouandprovideyourconcessiondetails.
Forsomeconcessionsyouwillneedtocompleteanapplicationform.
Checkthedetailsforeachconcessiontoseehowtoapply.
IdidnotknowIcouldapplyforaconcession.CanIreceiveabackdatedconcession? / Generallyitisuptoyoutocheckifyoucangetaconcessionandapplyforit.
However,therearesomecaseswhenyoumaybeabletoreceiveconcessionsforpastmonths.
Forenergyconcessions,youmaybeabletoreceiveupto12monthsofbackdatedconcessions.Contactyourelectricityorgasretailertoaskaboutbackdating.
Forcouncilratesandwaterconcessions,youmaybeabletoreceiveupto12monthsofbackdatedconcessions.Inexceptionalcircumstances,suchasifseriousillnesspreventedyoufromapplyingfortheconcession,youmaybeabletoreceiveadditionalbackdating.Contactyourcouncilorwatercorporationtodiscussbackdating.
Idon’tliveinVictoria–canIapplyfortheseconcessions? / No.TheconcessionsinthisbookletareforVictorianresidentsonly.
Ifyouliveinadifferentstate,checkwithyourstategovernmenttofindoutwhatconcessionsareavailabletoyou.

Essentialservicesconcessions

Thissectiondescribestheconcessionsavailableforessentialservices–electricity,gas,waterandcouncilrates.

Eligibleconcessioncardsinclude:

•CentrelinkHealthCareCard(holdersofaHealthCareCardforCarerAllowanceandFosterCareissuedinthenameofachildarenoteligible)

•CentrelinkPensionerConcessionCard

•Veterans’AffairsPensionerConcessionCard

•Veterans’AffairsGoldCardforallconditions

Please note that not all concessions are available for all cards. Please check the details below to see if you are eligible.

Energyconcessions

Thefollowingdescribestheconcessionsavailableonelectricityandgasbills.

Annualelectricity concession

Whatdoesthisconcessionapplyto? / Domesticmainselectricityusageandservicecosts.Theconcessionisavailableyear-round.
Whocanapplyfortheconcession? / Anelectricityaccountholderwhohasoneofthefollowingeligibleconcessioncards:
•PensionerConcessionCard
•HealthCareCard
•Veterans’AffairsGoldCard.
Howmuchistheconcession? / 17.5%ofelectricityusageandservicecosts.
Theconcessioniscalculatedafterretailerdiscountsandsolarcreditshavebeendeducted.
Theconcessiondoesnotapplytothefirst$171.60oftheannualbill.Thisiscalculatedasadailyrateoneachbill.
Householdswithveryhighelectricitybills(over$2,725intheyear)needtoapplyfortheExcessEnergyConcessiontocontinuetoreceiveaconcessionontheirbill.
HowdoIapplyfortheconcession? / Phoneyourelectricityretailerandgiveyourconcessioncarddetailsoverthephone.
YourretailerwillcheckyourconcessioncarddetailswithCentrelinkandapplytheconcessiontoyourbill.
Moreinformation / PhoneyourelectricityretailerortheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521.
Afactsheetaboutthisconcession,includingcalculationsandexamples,isavailableontheConcessions and benefits website <
Seealso / Excesselectricity concessionreferred to in this current document

Excesselectricity concession

Whatdoesthisconcessionapplyto? / Domesticmainselectricityusageandservicecostsabove$2,725fortheannualperiodstarting1December2016.Thisamountisreviewedeachyear.
Whocanapplyfortheconcession? / Anelectricityaccountholderwhoseannualelectricitycostsareabove$2,725andwhoholdsoneofthefollowingeligibleconcessioncards:
•PensionerConcessionCard
•HealthCareCard
•Veterans’AffairsGoldCard.
Howmuchistheconcession? / 17.5%ofelectricityusageandservicecosts.
Theconcessioniscalculatedafterretailerdiscountsandsolarcreditshavebeendeducted.
HowdoIapplyfortheconcession? / YourelectricityretailerwillcheckifyouneedtoapplyfortheExcessElectricityConcessionandsendyouanapplicationform.
Youmustsignadeclarationconfirmingthattheelectricityusedatyouraddressisfordomesticpurposes,thatnocommercialbusinessisbeingconductedattheaddress,andthattheelectricityisnotbeingusedforanillegalpurpose.
Afteryouhavesignedanddatedtheform,sendittotheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServicesattheaddresslistedontheform.
Thedepartmentwillcheckyoureligibilityandadviseyourretailer.YourretailerwillcalculatetheExcessElectricityConcessionandapplytheconcessiontoyournextbill.
Mybillsarehighduetomedicalneeds–doIneedtoapply? / IfyoureceivetheLifeSupportConcessionreferred to in this document, ortheMedicalCoolingConcessionreferred to in this document,youdonotneedtocompleteanapplicationformtoreceivetheexcess electricity concession.Yourelectricityretailerwillapplytheconcessiontoyouraccount.
Moreinformation / PhoneyourelectricityretailerortheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521.
Afactsheetaboutthisconcession,includingcalculationsandexamples,isavailableontheConcessions and benefits website <

Controlledload electricity concession

Whatdoesthisconcessionapplyto? / Controlledloadusagechargesondomesticmainselectricity.
Controlledloadchargesapplytoseparatelymeteredelectrichotwaterorslabheatingwhichismeasuredviaadualelementelectricitymeterordualelementsmartmeter.Thesetariffsareusuallyshownas‘controlledload’or‘dedicatedcircuit’tariffs.
Theconcessionisonlyavailabletohouseholdswithaneligibledualelementelectricitymeterordualelementsmartmeter.
Whocanapplyfortheconcession? / Anelectricityaccountholderwhoholdsoneofthefollowingeligibleconcessioncards:
•PensionerConcessionCard
•HealthCareCard
•Veterans’AffairsGoldCard.
Howmuchistheconcession? / 13%ofcontrolledloadelectricitycosts.
HowdoIapplyfortheconcession? / Yourretailerwillautomaticallygiveyoutheconcessionifyouareeligibleandyouhaveprovidedyourconcessiondetails.
Tocheckifyoushouldbereceivingthisconcession,phoneyourelectricityretailer.
Moreinformation / PhoneyourelectricityretailerortheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521.
Afactsheetaboutthisconcession,includingcalculationsandexamples,isavailableontheConcessions and benefits website <

Electricitytransfer fee waiver

Whatdoesthisconcessionapplyto? / Thetransferfeethatischargedbyelectricityretailerswhenaccountholdersmovehouse.
Whocanapplyfortheconcession? / Anelectricityaccountholderwhoholdsoneofthefollowingeligibleconcessioncards:
•PensionerConcessionCard
•HealthCareCard
•Veterans’AffairsGoldCard.
Howmuchistheconcession? / Thefulltransferfeeiswaived.
HowdoIapplyfortheconcession? / Yourretailerwillautomaticallygiveyoutheconcessionifyouareeligibleandyouhaveprovidedyourconcessiondetails.
Tocheckifyoushouldbereceivingthisconcession,phoneyourelectricityretailer.
Moreinformation / PhoneyourelectricityretailerortheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521.
AfactsheetaboutthisconcessionisavailableontheConcessions and benefits website <

Lifesupport concession

Whatdoesthisconcessionapplyto? / Mainsdomesticelectricityaccounts.
Mainswateraccounts(forhaemodialysismachinesonly).
Whocanapplyfortheconcession? / Anelectricityorwateraccountholderwho:
•holdsaneligibleconcessioncard(PensionerConcessionCard,HealthCareCard,Veterans’AffairsGoldCard)and
•usesaneligiblelifesupportmachineor
•hasahouseholdmemberwhousesaneligiblelifesupportmachine.
Whatmachinesareeligiblefortheconcession? / Approvedmachinesarethosethatuseatleast1,880kilowatthoursofelectricityannually.Machinesalreadyapprovedare:
•intermittentperitonealdialysismachines(electricity)
•oxygenconcentrators(electricity)
•haemodialysismachines(electricityandwater).
ApplicationsforothermachinesmustbeapprovedbytheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServices.
Mostcontinuouspositiveairwayspressure(CPAP)machinesdonotmeetthe1,880kilowatthourthreshold.
Howmuchistheconcession? / Theelectricitydiscountisthecostof1,880kilowatthours(470kilowatthoursperquarter)ofelectricityeachyear,calculatedusingthegeneraldomestictariffofyourretailer.
Thewaterdiscountforhaemodialysisusersisthecostof168kilolitres(42kilolitresperquarter)ofwatereachyear.
HowdoIapplyfortheconcession? / Foranapplicationformphone:
•yourelectricityretailerorwatercorporationor
•thehospitalsupplyingthelifesupportmachineor
•theConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521(tollfree).
Theapplicationformneedstobecompletedandsignedbyyourdoctor,nurseorhospitalsocialworkerconfirmingyouruseofalifesupportmachine.Oncecompleted,sendtheformtoyourelectricityretailerand/orwatercorporation.
Yourelectricityretailerand/orwatercorporationwillcheckyourconcessioncarddetailswithCentrelinkandapplytheconcessiontoyourbill.
Moreinformation / PhoneyourelectricityretailerortheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521.
AfactsheetaboutthisconcessionisavailableontheConcessions and benefits website <
Seealso / EssentialMedicalEquipmentPaymentreferred to in this document.

Medicalcooling concession

Whatdoesthisconcessionapplyto? / Mainsdomesticelectricityusageandservicecostsbetween1Novemberand30April.
Whocanapplyfortheconcession? / Anelectricityaccountholderwhoholdsaneligibleconcessioncard(PensionerConcessionCard,HealthCareCard,Veterans’AffairsGoldCard)and:
•hasamedicalconditionthataffectstheirbody’sabilitytoself-regulatetemperatureor
•hasahouseholdmemberwithsuchamedicalcondition.
Whatmedicalconditionsareeligiblefortheconcession? / Pre-approvedconditionsare:
•multiplesclerosis
•lymphoedema
•Parkinson’sdisease
•fibromyalgia
•post-poliosyndrome/poliomyelitis
•motorneuronedisease.
ApplicationsforotherconditionsmustbeapprovedbytheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServices.
Howmuchistheconcession? / 17.5%ofelectricityusageandservicecostsbetween1Novemberand30April.
DuringthisperiodtheMedicalCoolingConcessionisgiveninadditiontotheAnnualElectricityConcession referred to in this document.
HowdoIapplyfortheconcession? / ForanapplicationformphoneyourelectricityretailerortheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521(tollfree).
Theapplicationformneedstobecompletedandsignedbyyourdoctorconfirmingyourmedicalcondition.Ifyourconditionisoneofthepre‑approvedconditions,sendtheformtoyourretailer.
Foranyothercondition,sendyourformtotheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServicesforassessment.
YourretailerwillcheckyourconcessioncarddetailswithCentrelinkandapplytheconcessiontoyourbill.
Moreinformation / PhoneyourelectricityretailerortheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521.
AfactsheetaboutthisconcessionisavailableontheConcessions and benefits website <
Seealso / EssentialMedicalEquipmentPaymentreferred to in this document.

Servicetoproperty charge concession

Whatdoesthisconcessionapplyto? / Theservicechargeonmainsdomesticelectricitybillswithverylowelectricityuse.
Whocanapplyfortheconcession? / Anelectricityaccountholderwhoholdsoneofthefollowingeligibleconcessioncards:
•PensionerConcessionCard
•HealthCareCard
•Veterans’AffairsGoldCard.
Howmuchistheconcession? / Iftheelectricityuseonabillislowerthantheservicecharge,theservicechargeisreducedtothecostoftheelectricityused.
Theconcessionisbasedonyourusagecostbeforeanysolarcreditsarededucted.
HowdoIapplyfortheconcession? / Theretailerwillautomaticallygiveyoutheconcessionifyouareeligibleandyouhaveprovidedyourconcessiondetails.
Tocheckifyoushouldbereceivingthisconcession,phoneyourelectricityretailer.
Moreinformation / PhoneyourelectricityretailerortheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521.
Afactsheetaboutthisconcession,includingcalculationsandexamples,isavailableontheConcessions and benefits website <

Wintergas concession

Whatdoesthisconcessionapplyto? / Domesticmainsgasusageandservicecosts.Theconcessionisavailableoverthewinterperiodof1Mayto31Octobereachyear.
Whocanapplyfortheconcession? / Agasaccountholderwhoholdsoneofthefollowingeligibleconcessioncards:
•PensionerConcessionCard
•HealthCareCard
•Veterans’AffairsGoldCard.
Howmuchistheconcession? / 17.5%ofgasusageandservicecosts.
Theconcessioniscalculatedafterretailerdiscountsarededucted.
Theconcessiondoesnotapplytothefirst$62.40ofthesix-monthwinterperiodbills.Thisiscalculatedasadailyrateoneachbill.
Householdswithveryhighbills(over$1,518inthewinterperiodstarting1May2017)willneedtoapplyfortheExcessGasConcessionreferred to in this document, tocontinuetoreceiveaconcessionontheirbill.
HowdoIapplyfortheconcession? / Phoneyourgasretailerandgiveyourconcessioncarddetailsoverthephone.
YourretailerwillcheckyourconcessioncarddetailswithCentrelinkandapplytheconcessiontoyourbill.
Moreinformation / PhoneyourgasretailerortheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521.
Afactsheetaboutthisconcession,includingcalculationsandexamples,isavailableontheConcessions and benefits website <
Seealso / ExcessGasConcessionreferred to in this document.

Excessgas concession

Whatdoesthisconcessionapplyto? / Domesticmainsgasusageandservicecostsabove$1,518forthesix-monthwinterperiod1Mayto31October2017.
Whocanapplyfortheconcession? / Agasaccountholderwhosewintergascostsareabove$1,518andwhoholdsoneofthefollowingeligibleconcessioncards:
•PensionerConcessionCard
•HealthCareCard
•Veterans’AffairsGoldCard.
Howmuchistheconcession? / 17.5%ofgasusageandservicecosts.
Theconcessioniscalculatedafterretailerdiscountsarededucted.
HowdoIapplyfortheconcession? / YourgasretailerwillcheckifyouneedtoapplyfortheExcessGasConcessionandsendyouanapplicationform.
Youmustsignadeclarationconfirmingthatthegasusedatyouraddressisfordomesticpurposes,thatnocommercialbusinessisbeingconductedattheaddress,andthatthegasisnotbeingusedforanillegalpurpose.
Afteryouhavesignedanddatedtheform,sendittotheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServicesattheaddresslistedontheform.
Thedepartmentwillcheckyoureligibilityandadviseyourretailer.YourretailerwillcalculatetheExcessGasConcessionandapplytheconcessiontoyournextbill.
Mybillsarehighduetomymedicalneeds–doIneedtoapply? / IfyoureceivetheLifeSupportConcessionreferred to in this document,ortheMedicalCoolingConcessionreferred to in this document,youwillbeautomaticallyeligibletoreceivetheExcessGasConcessionaftersubmittingacompletedapplicationform.
Moreinformation / PhoneyourgasretailerortheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521.
Afactsheetaboutthisconcession,includingcalculationsandexamples,isavailableontheConcessions and benefitswebsite

Non-mains energy concession

Whatdoesthisconcessionapplyto? / Non-mainssourcesofenergy:
•liquefiedpetroleumgas(LPG)
•firewoodfordomesticheating,cookingorhotwater
•heatingoil
•electricityaccessedviaanembeddednetwork
•generatorfuel.
Whocanapplyfortheconcession? / Anaccountholderwhoholdsoneofthefollowingeligibleconcessioncards:
•PensionerConcessionCard
•HealthCareCard
•Veterans’AffairsGoldCard.
Arethereotherrequirementsfortheconcession? / Specialconditionsapplyforfirewoodandgeneratorfuelconcessions.Seetheapplicationformformoredetails.
Howmuchistheconcession? / Theconcessionispaidannuallybasedontheamountpaidforeachenergytypeinthatyear.
Therebateamountsforthe2016calendaryearare:
•$47forspendingfrom$100to$267.99
•$140forspendingfrom$268to$805.99
•$235forspendingfrom$806to$1,340.99
•$335forspendingfrom$1,341to$1,913.99
•$428forspendingfrom$1,914to$2,448.99
•$521forspending$2,449ormore.
Aseparaterebateispaidforeachenergytypeused.
HowdoIapplyfortheconcession? / ApplicationformsareavailablefromLPGsuppliers,localcouncils,caravanparkproprietorsorbyphoningtheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521(tollfree).
Applicationsforeachyearcloseon30Juneofthefollowingyear.
Applicationsmustincludecopiesofpaidinvoicesorreceipts.
TheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServiceswillcheckyourconcessioncarddetailswithCentrelinkandprovidetheconcessionasarebate.
Moreinformation / PhonetheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521.
Afactsheetaboutthisconcession,includingcalculationsandexamples,isavailableontheConcessions and benefits website <

Ratesandpropertyconcessions

Thefollowingdescribestheconcessionsavailableonbillsrelatedtopropertyandcouncilrates.

Municipalrates concession

Whatdoesthisconcessionapplyto? / Councilrates(onthecardholder’sprincipalresidence).
Whocanapplyfortheconcession? / Aratepayerwhoholdsoneofthefollowingeligibleconcessioncards:
•PensionerConcessionCard
•Veterans’AffairsGoldCard(givenforTPI,WarWidow,EDAorPOW).
Howmuchistheconcession? / 50%deductiononcouncilratesuptoayearlymaximumof$218.30for2016–17.
HowdoIapplyfortheconcession? / PensionersandholdersofVeterans’AffairsGoldCardsgivenforTPIorWarWidow
Phoneyourlocalcouncilforanapplicationform.Completetheformandsendittoyourlocalcouncil.
YourlocalcouncilwillcheckyourconcessioncarddetailswithCentrelinkandapplytheconcessiontoyourbill.
HoldersofVeterans’AffairsGoldCardsgivenforEDAorPOW
PhonetheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521(tollfree)foranapplicationform.CompletetheformandsendittotheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServicesattheaddresslistedontheform.
TheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServiceswillcheckyourconcessioncarddetailswithCentrelinkandprovidetheconcessionasarebate.
Moreinformation / PhoneyourcouncilortheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521.
Afactsheetaboutthisconcessionisavailableon the Concessions and benefits website <

Fireservices property levy concession

Whatdoesthisconcessionapplyto? / Thefire services property levy onyourresidentialcouncilratesnotice.
Whocanapplyfortheconcession? / Aratepayerwhoholdsoneofthefollowingeligibleconcessioncards:
•PensionerConcessionCard
•Veterans’AffairsGoldCard(givenforTPI,WarWidow,EDAorPOW).
Howmuchistheconcession? / $50
HowdoIapplyfortheconcession? / Propertyownersalreadyreceivingthemunicipal rates concession willautomaticallyreceiveaconcessionontheirFireservices property levy assessment.
Eligiblecardholdersshouldchecktheirratesnoticeandcontacttheirlocalcouncilwithanyqueries.AlistingofVictoriancouncilsisavailableat
Moreinformation / FormoreinformationabouttheFiresservices property levy visitthefirelevywebsite

Waterconcessions

Thefollowingdescribestheconcessionsavailableonwaterbills.

WaterandSewerageConcession

Whatdoesthisconcessionapplyto? / Waterandseweragecharges.
Whocanapplyfortheconcession? / Awateraccountholderwhoholdsoneofthefollowingeligibleconcessioncards:
•PensionerConcessionCard
•HealthCareCard
•Veterans’AffairsGoldCard.
Howmuchistheconcession? / 50%deductiononwaterandseweragechargesuptoayearlymaximumof$305.50for2016–17.
Ifyouareonlybilledforasingleservice,forexample,wateronly,youwillreceive50%offwaterchargesuptoamaximumof$152.75.
HowdoIapplyfortheconcession? / Phoneyourwatercorporationtoapply.
YourwatercorporationwillcheckyourconcessioncarddetailswithCentrelinkandapplytheconcessiontoyourbill.
Moreinformation / PhoneyourwatercorporationortheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521.
Afactsheetaboutthisconcession,includingcalculationsandexamples,isavailableontheConcessions and benefits website <

Non-mains water concession

Whatdoesthisconcessionapplyto? / Non-mainswaterpurchasedfordomesticuse,forexample:
•cartedwaterforrainwatertanks
•waterboughtviaabillingagentorwatercooperative
•waterboughtviaanembeddednetwork.
Whocanapplyfortheconcession? / Anaccountholderwhoholdsoneofthefollowingeligibleconcessioncards:
•PensionerConcessionCard
•HealthCareCard
•Veterans’AffairsGoldCard.
Howmuchistheconcession? / Rebateamountsfor2016–17are:
•$114forspendingfrom$160to$457.99
•$228forspendingfrom$458to$916.99
•$342forspending$917ormore.
HowdoIapplyfortheconcession? / ApplicationformsareavailablefromwatercartersorbyphoningtheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521(tollfree).
Applicationsforeachyearwillcloseon30Juneofthefollowingyear.
Applicationsmustincludecopiesofpaidinvoicesorreceipts.
TheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServiceswillcheckyourconcessioncarddetailswithCentrelinkandprovidetheconcessionasarebate.
Moreinformation / PhonetheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521.
AfactsheetaboutthisconcessionisavailableontheConcessions and benefits website <

Hardship

Thefollowingdescribesprogramsavailabletopeopleduringtimesoffinancialdifficulty.

Utilityrelief grant scheme (mains)

Whatisthegrant? / Thegrantprovideshelptopayamainselectricity,gasorwaterbillthatisoverdueduetoatemporaryfinancialcrisis.
Whocanapplyforthegrant? / Anaccountholderwhohasoneofthefollowingeligibleconcessioncard:
•PensionerConcessionCard
•HealthCareCard
•Veterans’AffairsGoldCard.
Ifyoudon’thaveoneofthesecardsbutareregisteredwithyourutilitycompany’shardshipprogramandpartofalow-incomehouseholdyoumayalsoapply.
Thegrantisavailabletorentersandhomeowners.
Whatarethecriteriaforthegrant? / Youmustshowthatyouhavenowayofpayingtheaccountwithoutassistance,and
Youmustmeetoneofthefivefollowingcriteria:
•youhavehadasubstantialincreaseinutilityuse
•youhavehadarecentdecreaseinincome,forexample,lostyourjob
•youhavehadhighunexpectedcostsforessentialitems
•thecostofshelterismorethan30%ofyourhouseholdincome
•thecostofutilityuseismorethan10%ofyourhouseholdincome.
Howmuchisthegrant? / Theamountofthegrantisbasedontheamountyouoweatthetimeofapplication.Itiscappedatsixmonths’worthofutilityuseuptoamaximumof$500.
Youcanapplyforseparategrantsforeachutility(electricity,gasandwater).
HowoftencanIclaimagrant? / Agrantcanonlybegivenonceeverytwoyearsperutilitytype.
HowdoIapplyforthegrant? / Phoneyourelectricity,gasorwaterretailertorequestanapplicationform.Yourretailerwillcheckyoureligibilitybeforesendingoutaform.
Moreinformation / Phoneyourelectricity,gasorwaterretailerortheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521.
AfactsheetaboutthisgrantisavailableontheConcessions and benefits website <

Utilityrelief grant scheme (non-mains)

Whatisthegrant? / Thegrantprovideshelptopayanon-mainsenergyorwaterbillthatisoverdueduetoatemporaryfinancialcrisis.
Thiscanincludebillsfor:
•liquefiedpetroleumgas(LPG)
•dieselandpetrol(foragenerator)
•heatingoil
•firewood
•meteredelectricityfromanembeddednetwork
•cartedwater.
Whocanapplyforthegrant? / Anaccountholderwhoholdsoneofthefollowingeligibleconcessioncards:
•PensionerConcessionCard
•HealthCareCard
•Veterans’AffairsGoldCard.
Ifyoudon’thaveoneofthesecardsbutyouareonaverylowincome,youmayalsobeeligible.
Thegrantisavailabletorentersandhomeowners.
Whatarethecriteriaforthegrant? / Youmustshowthatyouhavenowayofpayingtheaccountwithoutassistance,and
Youmustmeetoneofthefivefollowingcriteria:
•youhavehadasubstantialincreaseinutilityuse
•youhavehadarecentdecreaseinincome,forexample,lostyourjob
•youhavehadhighunexpectedcostsforessentialitems
•thecostofshelterismorethan30%ofyourhouseholdincome
•thecostofutilityuseismorethan10%ofyourhouseholdincome.
Howmuchisthegrant? / Theamountofthegrantisbasedontheamountyouoweatthetimeoftheapplication.Itiscappedatsixmonths’worthofutilityuseuptoamaximumof$500.
Youmayalsobeabletoapplyifyoudonotcurrentlyoweonabillbutknowthatyouwillnotbeabletoaffordyournextsupplybill.
HowoftencanIclaimagrant? / Agrantcanonlybegivenonceeverytwoyears.
HowdoIapplyforthegrant? / PhonetheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521.
Moreinformation / PhonetheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521.
AfactsheetaboutthisgrantisavailableontheConcessions and benefits website <

Waterandsewerage connection scheme

Whatisthewater and sewerage connection scheme? / Thegrantprovideshelptopayforconnectiontoamainswaterandsewerageservicewhenyouhavebeeninstructedtoconnectbyyourwaterauthority.
Howmuchisthegrant? / Thegrantcoversthefullcostofconnection.
Whocanapplyforthegrant? / Homeownerswhohavereceiveda‘noticetoconnect’compulsoryorder,whoholdaneligibleconcessioncardandwhohavenosavingstocoverthecostofconnection.
Whatcardsareeligibleforthegrant? / •PensionerConcessionCard
•HealthCareCard
•Veterans’AffairsGoldCard.
Whatarethecriteriaforthegrant? / Youmustshowthatyouhavenowayofpayingfortheconnectionwithoutassistance,and
Youmusthavereceiveda‘noticetoconnect’compulsoryorderfromyourwatercorporation.
HowoftencanIclaimagrant? / Thegrantcanonlybeclaimedonce.
HowdoIapplyforthegrant? / Yourwatercorporationwillprovidecardholderswithanapplicationformwhenissuinga‘noticetoconnect’compulsoryorder.
Moreinformation / PhonetheConcessionsInformationLineon1800658521.
AfactsheetaboutthisgrantisavailableontheConcessions and benefits website <

Otherconcessionsandservices

ThissectionprovidesinformationaboutotherStateandCommonwealthconcessionsandservicesavailabletoeligibleconcessioncardholders.Forthefulldetailsoftheseprograms,includinghowtoapply,usethecontactinformationprovided.

Communication

Mail

Mailholdandredirection

AustraliaPostprovidesareducedfeeforredirectingmailtoanewmailingaddressforupto12monthsforeligiblecardholders.

Postagestamps

AustraliaPostprovidesconcessionstampsformailwithinAustralia.

For more information and to apply

•Go to your local Post Office.

•Phone Australia Post Customer Service on 13 13 18.

•Visit the Australia Post website

Telephoneallowance

Thetelephoneallowancehelpswiththecostofhavingaphoneandinternetserviceinyourhome.EligibilityforthetelephoneallowanceisconsideredwhenyouapplyforaCentrelinkbenefitandtheallowanceisincludedwithyourCentrelinkpayment.

For more information and to apply

•Phone Centrelink on 13 27 17.

•Visit the Centrelink website

Education

Camps,SportsandExcursionsFund(CSEF)

Thisfundhelpswithpayingforeligiblestudentstoattendschoolcamps,sportsandexcursions.

For more information and to apply

•Phone the CSEF helpdesk on 1800 060 970 (toll free).

•Visit the CSEF website <

•Get an application form from the school or from the Department of Education and Training website

CentreforAdultEducation(CAE)fees

TheCAEprovidesconcessionsoncoursefeestoeligiblecardholders.Theleveloftheconcessiondependsonthecourse.

For more information and to apply

•Phone the CAE on 03 9652 0611.

•Visit the CAE website

ConveyanceAllowance

Thisallowancehelpseligiblestudentswiththecostoftraveltoschool.

For more information and how to apply

•Contact your school office for details and an application form.

•Phone the Department of Education and Training on 1800 060 970.

•Visit the Department of Education and Training website

Kindergarten

EarlyStartKindergarten

Thisgrantenableseligiblethree-year-oldchildrentoattendupto15hoursaweekatafundedkindergartenprogramfreeofchargeoratminimalcost.

Tobeeligible,childrenmustbethreeyearsoldby30Aprilintheyearthattheyattendkindergartenandbe:

•anAboriginaland/orTorresStraitIslanderpersonor

•knowntoChildProtection(includingchildrenreferredfromChildProtectiontoChildFIRST).

For more information and to apply

•Contact your local kindergarten.

•Phone the Education Information and Referral Service on 1800 809 834.

•Visit the Department of Education and Training website

•Services that are aware of eligible children can phone their department regional office at the number listed on the Department of Education and Training website

Kindergartenfeesubsidy

Thissubsidyenableseligiblechildrentoattendupto15hoursaweekatafundedkindergartenprogramintheyearbeforeschoolfreeofchargeoratminimalcost.

Tobeeligible,childrenmustbeagedatleastfouryearsby30Aprilintheyearthattheyattendkindergartenand:

•beanAboriginaland/orTorresStraitIslanderpersonor

•hold,orhaveaparentorguardianwhoholds,aneligibleconcessioncardorhumanitarianvisaor

•beidentifiedontheirbirthcertificateasbeingamultiplebirthchild(tripletsormore).

For more information and to apply

•If your family meets the kindergarten fee subsidy eligibility criteria, tell your education and care service that you are eligible when you enrol your child or at any time during the year.

•For more information read the Kindergarten Guide, which is available on the Department of Education and Training website

EarlyStartKindergartenextensiongrant

ThisgrantisforchildrenwhoreceivedtheEarlyStartKindergartengrantbutcannotaccessthekindergartenfeesubsidy.Itenablesthemtoattendafundedkindergartenprogramintheyearbeforeschoolfreeofchargeoratminimalcost.ItisalsoavailabletochildrenwhohaveparticipatedinanAccesstoEarlyLearningprogram.

ThekindergartenfeesubsidymaynotbepayableifyourchildattendsafundedkindergartenprograminlongdaycareandyourfamilyreceivestheCommonwealthChildCareBenefit.

For more information and to apply

•Contact your local kindergarten.

•Phone the Education Information and Referral Service on 1800 809 834.

•Visit the Department of Education and Training website

TechnicalandFurtherEducation(TAFE)fees

TAFEinstitutesmayofferconcessionsonenrolmentfeesforeligiblecardholdersandtheirdependentspouses.Theleveloftheconcessiondependsonthecourse.

For more information and to apply

•Phone the Technical and Further Education Course Line on 13 18 23.

•Visit the Department of Education and Training website

Energy

EnergySupplement

TheEnergySupplementprovidesongoingassistancetohelpeligiblehouseholdspaytheirenergybills.Itisautomaticallypaidwithregulargovernmentpaymentstoholdersofeligiblecards.EligiblepensionersandincomesupportrecipientswillautomaticallyreceivetheEnergySupplementwiththeirpaymentfromCentrelinkorVeterans’Affairs.

For more information and to apply

•Visit the Human Services Energy Supplement website <

•If you are a member of the defence or veterans community, contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairswebsite < phone on 13 3254 or 1800 555 254 (country callers).

Finance

MoneyHelpfinancialadvice

MoneyHelpprovidesfree,confidentialandindependentinformationforVictoriansexperiencingfinancialdifficulty.MoneyHelp’sphonecounsellingservicecanprovideadviceaboutmanagingdebtsandexpenses,handlingdebtcollectorsandnegotiatingwithcreditors,mortgagesandtenants’rights,andlossofemployment.

TheMoneyHelpwebsitehasonlinetoolstohelppeopleorganisetheirbudgets,creditcardsandsuperannuation.MoneyHelpalsogivesreferralstootherfinancialcounsellingservices.

For more information and to apply

•Phone MoneyHelp on 1800 007 007.

•Visit the MoneyHelp website <

GoodMoneyfinancialservices

GoodMoneydeliversfinancialservicesthroughthreecommunityfinancestoresinCollingwood,DandenongandGeelong.GoodMoneyofferssafe,affordableandresponsiblefinancialservicesforpeopleonlowincomeswhoareotherwiseexcludedfrommainstreamfinancialservices.GoodMoneycanhelpyouarrangeaNoInterestorStepUploanandprovidereferralstofinancialcounsellingservicestohelpyoumanagedebtorsavings.Noteloansarenotforcash.

Contact or apply:

Good Money<

Good Money Collingwood

340 Smith St (Cnr Johnston St)

Collingwood VIC 3066

Phone: 03 9230 6600

Email:

Good Money Dandenong

250 Lonsdale St (near Dandenong Arcade)

Dandenong VIC 3175

Phone: 03 8788 7300

Email:

Good Money Geelong

104 Moorabool Street (Opposite Market Square)

Geelong VIC 3220

Phone: 03 5223 8000

Email:

No-InterestLoanSchemeandStepUPLowInterestLoans

GoodShepherdMicrofinanceoffersaffordablefinancialprogramsforpeopleonlowincomes.

TheNo-InterestLoanScheme(NILS)providesaccesstofairandsafecredit(upto$1,200)forthepurchaseofessentialgoodsandservices.

StepUPisasafelowinterestloanforamountsbetween$800and$3,000.LoansareprovidedthroughtheNationalAustraliaBank(NAB).

Tobeeligibleforaloan,youmust:

•haveaHeathCareCardorPensionerConcessionCardand

•havelivedatyourcurrentpremisesformorethanthreemonthsand

•demonstrateacapacitytorepaytheloan.

Loansarenotforcash.

For more information and to apply

•NILS: phone 13 NILS (13 64 57) or visit the NILS website

•StepUP: visit

•NILS and StepUP are delivered through community organisations in 650 locations across Australia. Find your local provider on the Good Shepherd website

Health

Ambulancetravel

ConcessioncardholdersareeligibleforfreeemergencyandclinicallynecessaryroadandairambulancetransportanywhereinAustralia.

Thefollowingpeopleareeligibleforfreeclinicallynecessaryambulancetransport:

•PensionerConcessionCardholders(includingdependentchildrenlistedonthecardbutexcludingspouses)

•HealthCareCardholders(excludingholdersofaHealthCareCardforCarerAllowanceorFosterCareissuedinthenameofthechild)andtheirdependents,includingspouseslistedonthecard(incircumstanceswherethedependentisthepatient)

•achildholdingacurrentChildDisabilityHealthCareCard(paymenttypeCD)orFosterCareHealthCareCard(paymenttypeFO)butnottheirguardians/familiesaslistedonthecard

•achildunderaCustodytoSecretaryOrderincludingchildrenoninterimaccommodationorders

•achildunderaGuardianshiptoSecretaryOrderincludingchildrenoninterimaccommodationorders.

HoldersofVeteransAffairs’GoldorWhiteCardsshouldcheckwithVeterans’Affairsabouttheirentitlements.

Pleasenotethatconcessionbenefitsonlyapplytoclinicallynecessarytransports.

For more information and to apply

•Phone Ambulance Victoria on 03 9840 3500.

•VisitAmbulance Victoria

Where possible, please advise the ambulance paramedic of your concession card number. Your concession card must be valid on the date of travel.

Dentalservices

DentalHealthServicesVictoriaprovidesemergencyandgeneraldentalcareforadultconcessioncardholdersthroughpublicdentalclinicsincommunityhealthcentres,ruralhospitalsandTheRoyalDentalHospitalofMelbourne.TheRoyalDentalHospitalofMelbournealsoprovidesspecialistdentalcareforadultconcessioncardholders.

Formostconcessioncardholders,asmallfeeispayableateachvisit,uptoasetmaximum.Moreadvanceddentaltreatmentsmaybeprovidedatfeesabovethemaximum.Somegroupsqualifyforfreetreatment.

General,dentureorspecialistcarethroughthepublicdentalsystemisavailabletothefollowingpeople:

•Childrenandyoungpeople:

–allchildrenaged0–12years

–youngpeopleaged13–17yearswhoareHealthCareorPensionerConcessioncardholdersordependantsofconcessioncardholders

–allchildrenandyoungpeopleupto18yearsofagewhoareinout-of-homecareprovidedbychildprotectionservicesintheDepartmentofHealthandHumanServices

–allyouthjusticeclientsincustodialcare,upto18yearsofage.

•Peopleaged18yearsandoverwhoareHealthCareorPensionerConcessioncardholdersordependantsofconcessioncardholders

•Allrefugeesandasylumseekers

•AboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderpeopleswhoaretreatedattheRoyalDentalHospitalofMelbourne.

Somegroupsofpeopleeligibleforpublicdentalservicesmayalsohavepriorityaccesstopublicdentalcare,includingAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderpeoples,homelesspeopleandpeopleatriskofhomelessness,pregnantwomen,refugeesandasylumseekersandregisteredclientsofmentalhealthanddisabilityservices.

For more information and to apply

•For dental emergencies, phone Dental Health Services Victoria on 1300 360 054.

•For general enquires, phone Dental Health Services Victoria on 03 9341 1000 or 1800 833 039 (country callers).

•Visit Dental Health Services

Essentialmedical equipment payment

TheEssentialMedicalEquipmentPaymentisanannualpaymentforAustralianswithhigherthanaverageenergycostsbecausetheyrelyonessentialmedicalequipmentintheirhome.

Thisadditionalsupportisavailabletopeople(andtheircarers)whouseessentialmedicalequipmentorwhomedicallyrequireheating/coolingathometomanageadisabilityormedicalcondition.

ToreceivetheEssentialMedicalEquipmentPayment,thepersonwithmedicalneedsortheircarermust:

•holdaCommonwealthGovernmentconcessioncardoraDepartmentofVeterans’AffairsGoldorWhiteCardand

•usecertainessentialmedicalequipment,orhavecertainmedicalconditionsthatrequiretheuseofadditionalheatingorcoolingintheirhomeand

•beresponsible,eitherwhollyorpartly,forthecostofrunningtheequipment.

For more information and to apply

•VisitEssential Medical Equipment

•Members of the defence or veterans community should phone the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 13 32 54 or 1800 555 254 (country callers) or visit Department of Veterans’ Affairs

•See also the Life Support Concessionreferred to in this document and the Medical Cooling Concession, referred to in this document.

Eyecareandglasses

TheVictorianEyecareService(VES)isastatewideservicemanagedbytheAustralianCollegeofOptometryforpeopleexperiencingdisadvantageorbarrierstoaccessingeyecareservices.

VESisavailableforresidentsofVictoriawhohave:

•acurrentHealthCareCardtheyhaveheldforatleastsixmonths

•acurrentPensionerConcessionCard

•anAboriginalorTorresStraitIslanderbackground

•childprotectioninvolvementfortheircare.

VESfocusesonpeoplewhoexperiencedifficultyaccessingservices,includingpeoplefromculturallyandlinguisticallydiverse(CALD)backgrounds,peopleinfinancialdifficulty,peoplewhoarehomelessoratriskofhomelessness,peoplelivinginruralandremoteareas,peoplelivinginpublicsectorcare,accommodationoryouthjusticefacilities,andpeoplewithlowlevelsofhealthliteracy.

ThereisnorestrictiononaccesstoVESbasedonresidencystatusorvisatype.

For more information and to apply

•Phone the Australian College of Optometry on 03 9349 7400.

•Visit Australian College of Optometry

Hearingservices

HearingservicesareavailableforpeoplewhoholdaPensionerConcessionCard,Veterans’AffairGoldCardorWhiteCard(withhearinglossconditions)orwhoarereceivingSicknessAllowancefromCentrelink,andtheirdependents.

Freehearingservicesincludeahearingassessment,informationandsupportand,ifneeded,ahearingdevice.

For more information or to apply

•Phone the Australian Government Department of Health on 1800 500 726 or 1800 500 496 (TTY).

•Visit the hearing services website

Multi-purpose taxi program

Thisprogramgivesa50percentdiscountontaxifaresforpermanentlyandseverelydisabledpeople.Thediscounthasamaximumamountpertripandanannuallimit.

Tobeeligiblefortheprogram,youmustbeapermanentVictorianresidentandhaveadisabilitythataffectsyourabilitytousepublictransportindependently.Thereisasmallfeetoreceiveyourcard.

For more information and to apply

•Phone the Taxi Services Commission:

–Phone 1800 638 802 (toll free) or 03 8683 0768

–TTY 1800 555 677

–Speak and listen 1800 555 727.

•Visit Taxi Services Commission

Patienttravelsubsidies

TheVictorianPatientTransportAssistanceScheme(VPTAS)subsidisesthetravelandaccommodationofruralVictorians,andanapprovedescort,whohavetotravelalongdistancetoreceiveapprovedmedicalspecialistservices.

For more information and to apply

•For an application form, ask your local doctor, hospital social worker or phone the Department of Health and Human Services VPTAS office on 1300 737 073.

•Visit Department of Health and Human Services VPTAS

PharmaceuticalBenefitsScheme(PBS)

Eligibleconcessioncardholdersareentitledtoadiscountonmostprescriptionmedicines.OnceyouandyourfamilyreachtheSafetyNetthresholdfortheyear(conditionsapply),mostmedicinesarefree.

ToreceivethePBSmedicationatthediscountedprice,youmusthaveoneofthesecards:

•PensionerConcessionCard

•CommonwealthSeniorsHealthCard

•HealthCareCard

•Veterans’Affairs(DVA)Gold,OrangeorWhiteCard.

Theco-paymentamount(cost)ofPBSmedicationisindexedon1JanuaryeveryyearandinformationonthePBSco-paymentamountisupdatedatPBS

For more information and to apply

•Show your concession card at the pharmacy to receive the concessional rate.

•Visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme website at or phone 1800 020 613.

Income

Australiangovernment assistance

TheAustralianGovernmentprovidesarangeofassistancepaymentsforeligiblehouseholds.TofindoutifyouareeligibleusethePaymentFindertoolat

Formoreinformation,calltheAustralianGovernmentDepartmentofHumanServices or phone on132468

Lowincome supplement

TheLowIncomeSupplementisa$300paymenttoassistpeopleinlow‑incomehouseholds.Youmaybeeligibleifyourassessedtaxableincomeisbelow$30,000ifyouaresingle,$45,000combinedifyouareamemberofacouple,and$60,000forsinglesandcoupleswithadependentchild.

For more information and to apply

•VisitLow income supplement

Singleincome family supplement

TheSingleincome family supplement isapaymentofupto$300foreligiblesingleincomefamilieswithaneligiblechildwherethemainincomeearnerhasataxableincomeofbetween$68,000and$150,000.

For more information and to apply

•If you receive the Family Tax Benefit you do not need to apply for the Single income family supplement as the payment will be calculated based on circumstances known for family tax benefit purposes and will be included in your entitlement at the end of the year.

•If you don’t receive family tax benefit, check if you are eligible online at Human Services, families

Ratesandproperty

Stampdutyconcession

Thisconcessionprovidesanexemptionorpartialexemptionfromstampdutyforcardholderspurchasingproperty,uptoamaximumpurchaseprice.Theconcessionisavailableonceinalifetime.

For more information and to apply

•For an application form, phone the State Revenue Office on 13 21 61.

•Visit State Revenue Office

Recreation

Petregistration

Concessionsareavailableoncatanddogregistrations(concessionavailabilityandamountvariesbetweencouncils).

PensionerConcessioncardholdersareeligibleforpetregistrationconcessionsandsomecouncilsalsoprovidetheconcessiontoHealthCarecardholders.

For more information and to apply

•Phone your local council. Find contact details atfind your local council

Recreationfacilities

DiscountsareavailabletovariousrecreationfacilitiessuchastheZoo,NationalGalleryofVictoria,StategalleriesandMuseumVictoria.SomeprivateorganisationssuchascinemasandtheAustralianFootballLeague(AFL)mayalsoofferconcessionsonadmissionprices.DiscountsaregenerallyavailabletoholdersofPensionerConcessionandHealthCareCardsandtheVictorianSeniorsCard.

For more information and to apply

Contact the recreation facility.

Recreationalfishinglicences

Ifyouhaveoneofthefollowingconcessioncards,youdonothavetobuyarecreationalfishinglicence:

•PensionerConcessionCard(markedDSP,DSPBlind,AGE,AGEBlind,orCARonly)

•Veterans’AffairsPensionerConcessionCard

•Veterans’AffairsGoldCard(markedTPI)

•VictorianSeniorsCard(orinterstateequivalent).

Youarealsoexemptifyouareundertheageof18orovertheageof70.

For more information and to apply

•Visit the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website

Transport

Motorvehicleregistrationfee

Thisconcessionprovidesa50percentreductiononthemotorvehicleregistrationfeecomponentofyourregistrationbill.TheconcessionisavailabletoholdersofPensionerConcessionCards,HealthCareCardsandVeterans’AffairsGoldCards.ForholdersoftheVeterans’AffairsGoldCardgivenforTPIorEDAa100percentreductiononthemotorvehicleregistrationfeeapplies.Thecardholderortheirspousemustbetheregisteredoperatorofthevehicle.Thereisalimitofonevehicleperconcessioncard.

Eligibleconcessioncardholdersalsohavetheoptiontopayforsixmonthregistration.

For more information and to apply

•Phone on 13 11 71.

•Visit VicRoads and search ‘registration concessions’.

TransportAccidentCommission(TAC)insurancechargeconcession

Thisconcessionprovidesa50percentreductionontheTACchargeinyourregistrationbill.ItisavailabletoholdersofPensionerConcessionCardsandVeterans’AffairsGoldCards.Thereisalimitofonevehicleperconcessioncard.

For more information and to apply

•Phone VicRoads on 13 11 71.

•Visit VicRoads and search ‘registration concessions’.

Publictransportconcessions

Manypassengersmaybeeligibleforconcessionfaresonpublictransport.Thisincludeseligiblecardholders,children,asylumseekersandstudents.Thoselistedonaconcessioncardasadependant(includingspouses)arenoteligibleforconcessionfaresunlesstheyhavetheirownconcessioncardorareunder17yearsofage.

Concessionfaresare50percentofthefullfare.

For more information and to apply

For information about obtaining a concession myki for your concession type, contact Public Transport Victoria:

•Phone PublicTransport Victoria on 1800 800 007.

•Visit Public Transport Victoria

VictorianPensionerFreeTravelVoucher

Eachyear,CentrelinkissuesVictorianPensionerswithaVictorianPensionerFreeTravelVoucher.Thesearesentinthemail.ThevouchercanbeexchangedforasingleDayPassformetropolitanMelbourneorareturnV/Linejourney(withinVictoria).

For more information and to apply

•For information about using the Free Travel Voucher phone Public Transport Victoria on 1800 800 007 or visit Public Transport Victoria

•If you have lost or damaged your voucher, phone Centrelink on 13 23 00.

VictorianSeniorsCardtravelsavings

TheSeniorsCardisavailabletopermanentresidentsofVictoriaaged60yearsoroverwhoworklessthan35hoursaweek.

Cardholderscanaccessdiscountedgoodsandservicesfromparticipatingbusinessesincludingtravel,accommodation,hospitality,entertainmentandleisure.

SeniorsCardholdersalsoreceivethefollowingdiscountsonpublictransportservices:

•discounteddailyfareonmetropolitanMelbourneservices

•freeweekendtravelinmetropolitanMelbourne,regionaltownbusservicesandV/Linetrainserviceswithinthecommuterrailservicesboundary

•concessionfaresonV/Linetrainandcoachservices

•off-peakfreetravelvouchersforasingleDayPassformetropolitanMelbourneorareturnV/Linejourney.Seniorsoff-peakfreetravelvoucherswillnotbereplacediflostordamaged.ExchangeyourfreetravelvoucheratanyV/Lineormetropolitanstaffedrailwaystation.

For more information and to apply

•To apply for the Victorian Seniors Card, phone the Seniors Card team on 1300 797 210 or visit Victorian Seniors Card

•Victorian Seniors Card applicants will be automatically sent a free Seniors myki.

•For more information about public transport fares, phone Public Transport Victoria on 1800 800 007 or visit Public Transport Victoria

Contacts

VictorianGovernment

Service / Website / Phone number
Concessions Information Line /
/ 1800 658 521
Department of Health and Human Services /
/ 1300 650 172
TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 1300 650 172
Speak and listen users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1300 650 172
Housing /
/ 1300 650 172
TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 1300 650 172
Speak and listen users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 1300 650 172
Victorian Carer Card /
/ 1800 901 958
Victorian Seniors Card /
/ 1300 797 210

CommonwealthGovernment

Centrelink

Website:

Service / Phone number
ABSTUDY / 1800132317
Complaintsandfeedback / 1800132468
Disability,SicknessandCarers / 132717
EmploymentServices / 132850
Families / 136150
MultilingualService / 131202
OlderAustralians / 132300
YouthandStudentServices / 132490

Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Website:

Phone number: 13 32 54 Country callers: 1800 555 254

Emergencyassistance

Service / Phone number
Emergencyservices(Police,Fire,Ambulance) / 000
beyondblueSupportService / 1300224636
CrisisAssessmentandTreatmentTeam / 1300721927
HomelessnessCrisisLine / 1800825955
LifelineCrisisSupport / 131114
MelbourneYouthSupportServices(reversedchargecallsaccepted) / 0396143688
safesteps24/7FamilyViolenceResponseServices / 1800015188
StVincentdePaul / 0398955800
TheSalvationArmyCrisisService / 1800627727
VictorianBushfireInformationLine / 1800240667

Health

Service / Phone number
AmbulanceVictoria / 0398403500
DentalHealthServicesVictoria / General0393411000
Emergencydental1300360054
Countrycallers1800833039
DisabilityIntakeandResponse / 1800783783
1800008149(TTY)
HearingServices / 1800500726
1800500496(TTY)
Medicare / 132011
NDIS(NationalDisabilityInsuranceScheme) / 1800800110
PharmaceuticalsBenefitsSchemeInformationLine / 1800020613
VictorianEyecareService / 0393497400
VictorianPatientTransportAssistanceScheme / 1300737073

Interpreterandtranslatingservices