The partnership between FCVic and Social Security Rights Victoria (SSRV), the Integrated Services Project (ISP), aims to improve client outcomes through financial counsellors and social security lawyers working together more effectively.
This month, we’ve taken a look at something many of your clients may have, but which they don’t necessarily get full use of.
Concession Cards
Clients will often not fully appreciate the value of a Commonwealth concession card . Whilst not as pivotal a factor as earned income or Centrelink benefit, it is frequently an important part of a client’s ability to budget for significant & regular expenses, particularly regarding health. They also form the basis of eligibility for state & local government-based benefits and concessions.
Pensioner & Health Care cards are typically issued automatically to those receiving a range of payments. For clients not receiving these however, they should check for eligibility, but also consider the Low Income Health Care Card; this is income dependent, but with no asset testing. For those clients who are self-funded retirees, there is the comparable Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, that is also subject to an income test, but not on assets.
Veterans are also eligible to a different suite of cards, which also provide for concessions at a commonwealth & state level.
For those clients who are transitioning from eligibility to a card, there are also provisions for retaining the card for certain periods under certain circumstances. It’s worth clients checking.
Concessions in Victoria
The state government has a range of concessions available for eligible people & households that covers Rates and Utilities, health, education, transport and other services. The government website is a useful resource, including the Concessions Information Line on 1800 658 521 as well as this pdf document that is regularly reviewed.
Eligibility should be reviewed, but can also include the state Seniors Card.
Energy, including URGS, is covered, and backdating can apply for clients who haven’t considered it previously. It can also apply to property & council rates and to vehicle registration & public transport.
Less publicised benefits can apply to elements as diverse as Australia Post (stamps & reduced fees for redirection); school camps & excursions; early start kindergarten; TAFE; Ambulance travel; Dental services; Eye & Hearing care; Taxi services for patients & disabled; pet registration; fishing licences; entry to recreation facilities.
Local Government
The range of services depends upon each council, but rates are covered (as above) and applied upon application. Typically, they apply also to council-run sports and entertainment facilities, and a concession card may be required to access certain emergency relief services.
At SSRV we aim not only to address issues of eligibility and debt arising from your clients’ use of the Centrelink system; we try to assist in navigating it for both you & your clients and in ensuring that they gain their full entitlements. Please be in touch to see what we can do.
Keep in touch
We are active on the FCVic ‘Centrelink Working Group’ where financial counsellors, community advocates and social security lawyers meet to discuss policy concerns, trends in casework and challenges/successful outcomes. You can join through the FCVic membership portal or by emailing [email protected]
SSRV is now producing a regular newsletter. If you aren’t already receiving it, you can subscribe using the link at the bottom of our website. We regularly post news and other updates. You can also follow up on Facebook.
Website: https://www.ssrv.org.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SSRVlaw
Email: [email protected]
General Enquiries : 03 9481 0299
Worker Help Line: 03 9481 0655