Due to changes in the federal budget, access to the pensioner concession card will be restored to those who lost it under the January 2017 asset changes.
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Hume MP Angus Taylor said those part-pensioners who lost their card would have it reinstated after the legislation passes both houses.
“About 92,300 people across the country and 554 people in Hume will be eligible to receive the Card and it will be automatically reissued without an income or assets test,” he said.
“This will support former pensioners to regain access to discounts and concessions offered by the states and territories and private providers.”
The card will also be reissued to about 3600 Department of Veterans’ Affairs payment recipients. These people will also still retain the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card to receive the Energy Supplement.
Under other Budget announcements, aged pensioners and disability support pensioners will receive a one-off payment by June 30 to help with energy bills.
“Singles will get $75 and couples $125 this winter to give them a helping hand with the cost of electricity and heating,” Mr Taylor said.
For more information on these changes, visit the Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au/corporate/budget/budget-2017-18/older-australians/pensioner-concession-card-reinstatement.