Concessions for War Widows and War Widowers

Purpose

This page provides information about some of the concessions offered in New South Wales to war widow(er)s through State and local governments. It does not include information about services and concessions offered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).

General Questions

What if I have a pensioner concession card also?

If you receive an income support supplement from DVA, you will have a pensioner concession card (PCC) as well as your Gold Card. In some cases concessions are the same for holders of both of these cards but in other cases they differ. If you are unsure which to use, ask the agency or business granting the concession.

There is also a fact sheet about concessions available to PCC holders.

If you receive your income support payment from Centrelink (a part Age Pension), you will receive a PCC from Centrelink.

Who offers the concessions?

The concessions included in this fact sheet are primarily state concessions or concessions offered within the metropolitan area of Sydney.

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.

The relevant Australian Government and State authorities and businesses determine what concessions to offer, and who is eligible for those concessions. DVA issue cards which identify you as being eligible for the concessions.

What concessions are available on other cards?

Many concessions are offered on a number of cards, including the Gold Card, Pensioner Concession Card (PCC), and Seniors Card. Depending on which card you use, the concessions may differ. If you are unsure which card to use, make sure that you ask the authority or business that is providing the concession. Only one discount is available on a service at any time.

All states and territories 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. Concessions vary between states but may include discounts on travel, licences or household expenses. State Seniors Cards are also often accepted at local businesses and may be accepted where a PCC or Gold Card is not. Application forms are available at all Post Offices, GIO Insurance Offices, Councils and offices of State Members of Parliament.

Health concessions

As a war widow or widower, you are issued with a Gold Card. You should always use this card for medical, hospital, pharmaceutical and allied health services.

Transport Concessions

Transport Concession Card

Transport Concession Cards are issued by DVA to all:

• war widows and widowers not receiving an income support payment either through DVA or Centrelink.

Your Transport Concession Card is proof that you are eligible to receive certain concessions.

It is issued when you are granted a war widows or war widowers pension and then issued annually every December.

Public Transport

Transport Concession Card holders are eligible for a variety of transport concessions including:

• a Pensioner Excursion Ticket, at a flat rate of $2.50, covers all day travel around Sydney and Newcastle. The ticket applies to travel on the CityRail network, State Transit buses, Sydney Ferries and to private bus operators in the Sydney metropolitan area.
• half fare travel on most government rail, bus, and ferry services
• half fare travel on most privately operated transport services

Show your Transport Concession Card when you purchase your ticket.

Rail Concession

Rail Concession

Transport Concession Card holders are entitled to four Pensioner Travel Vouchers* each calendar year. Each voucher is valid for a single, one-way trip on CountryLink’s train and coach services within NSW (excluding sleeping berths). When using these vouchers you will be required to pay a booking fee of 15% of the full adult fare (or a minimum of $10) for each economy or first class trip taken using these vouchers.

Book your travel by calling 13 22 32, online at www.countrylink .info or by visiting a CountryLink travel centre, booking office, accredited travel agent or selected CityRail station.

If you are using the vouchers or booking online for the first time, you need to take your concession identification to a CountryLink travel centre, booking office or accredited travel agent to register in person first.

* CountryLink's computerised reservation system keeps a record of all travel taken under the Pensioner Travel Voucher scheme. As a result, paper travel vouchers are no longer used.

For further information the Transport Infoline on 131 500.

Interstate Rail Travel for World War 1 Widow(er)’s

Unlimited free first class travel is available on Great Southern Rail (formerly known as Australian National Rail) to World War 1 widow(er)’s and their dependants. This is available on the following rail journeys:

• The Ghan
• The Indian Pacific
• The Overlander

For more information contact Great Southern Railways 13 21 47

Coaches

Many coach and bus companies offer concessions to war widow(er)s. Discounts vary depending on the company and the destination. Present your card when purchasing tickets.

Miscellaneous Concessions

Water Rates

War Widows or War Widowers living in their own home within the Sydney metropolitan area may be eligible for a rebate from Sydney Water. To obtain this concession you must present your Gold Card.

Drivers’ Licences & Motor Vehicle Registration

War widows and widowers who are under 60 years of age (and not in receipt of a Pensioner Concession Card) may be entitled to a free driver’s licence and free registration. Concessions may also be available from Insurance Companies for the Compulsory Third Party Insurance component of registration.

For more information:

Roads and Traffic Authority 13 22 13

Finding out more about concessions

The War Widows’ Guild of Australia NSW Inc. has a list of concessions and entitlements that are available to war widows or war widowers.

More information

If you have further questions about concessions you may be eligible for as a war widow(er), please contact the government department, local agency or business that administers the concession.

For information about treatment benefits and allowances from DVA, contact your nearest DVA office.