NSW pensioners to get cost-of-living boost with toll rebate

For the first time, pensioners are eligible for cashback on their tolls and are now accumulating toll savings. In addition, NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the state has more than 70 discounts and rebates available through the Savings Finder program, with a range of them specifically designed to assist pensioners drive their pension dollar further.

Mr Kean said pensioners are now eligible for council rate rebates to free glasses, free rego, free driver’s licences, nearly $300 off energy bills and more than $100 off gas.

“For the first time, pensioners can also access up to $750 a year in toll relief from January, in addition to the Gold Opal that caps public transport costs at $2.50 a day,” he said.

The Energy Bill Buster program, announced in the budget, allows pensioners to swap out 10 years of energy rebates for a free solar system or energy-efficient appliances valued at up to $4,000 that will deliver ongoing energy savings of up to $600 a year.

Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said these rebates and concessions are in addition to the discounts that are available at over 6,500 businesses and service providers through the Seniors Card.

NSW pensioners can make savings from:

• Council rate rebates: Pensioners are entitled to up to $250 a year off their council rates. But depending on where you live, you can get an even bigger discount.
• Electricity rebate: The low-income household rebate will shave up to $285 a year off your electricity bill for households with a retail provider.
• Gas rebate: This rebate will give you a discount of up to $110 a year.
• Water rates: Eligible pensioners can access a quarterly rebate, shaving hundreds of dollars a year off a typical household bill.
• Gold Opal: Unlimited travel for no more than $2.50 a day on public transport across Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra and Southern Highlands.
• Toll relief: For the first time, pensioners can access toll relief from January thanks to the recent NSW budget, which delivers up to $750 a year cashback. Pensioners need to spend a minimum of $375 a year on tolls to be eligible for cashback.
• Travel vouchers: Pensioners are entitled to four pensioner-travel vouchers each calendar year. They can be used for two return or four single trips, giving access to free or discounted travel in economy class on NSW TrainLink Regional services within regional NSW.
• Free car rego: Pensioners in NSW don’t pay registration fees or motor vehicle tax on one of their cars. They also receive free driver’s licences, free driving tests and concessions on the cost of Mobility Parking Scheme permits.
• Free glasses: You can get yourself one pair of single vision glasses or one pair of bifocal glasses in a two-year period under the NSW Spectacles Program.
• Seniors Card: The NSW Seniors Card is packed with discounts for thousands of retailers and services across the state, from groceries to tradespeople and insurance.