Kevin Anderson - announces some pensioner savings

15th September 2022

DRIVING YOUR PENSION DOLLAR FURTHER

September is shaping up to be the month of savings for pensioners as federal pension payments rise and record savings are delivered through the NSW Budget.

 

The NSW Government has more than 70 discounts and rebates available through the Savings Finer program, with a range of them specifically designed to assist pensioners in meeting the rising cost of living.

 

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said a significant number of pensioners in the region were eligible for unclaimed discounts and rebates and encouraged them to apply.

 

“Rising cost of living affects everyone in a different way, and it can be especially tough for those on a fixed pension,” Mr Anderson said.

 

“The NSW Government has a number of savings available through Service NSW for things like council rebates, free glasses, energy bill rebates, as well as the hugely popular Regional Seniors Travel Card which goes a long way towards easing the cost of living for our seniors.”

 

The Savings Finder tool via the Service NSW website makes it really easy to see what help is available.

If pensioners don’t have access to the website, they can make an appointment with a savings specialist at a Service NSW centre or they can call 13 77 88.

Here are 10 ways for NSW pensioners to save:

  1. 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.
  2. Electricity rebate: The Low Income Household Rebate will shave up to $285 a year off your electricity bill for households with a retail provider.
  3. Gas rebate: This rebate will give you a discount of up to $110 a year.
  4. Water rates: Eligible pensioners can access a quarterly rebate, shaving hundreds of dollars a year off a typical household bill.
  5. Regional seniors travel card: The regional seniors travel card provides eligible seniors living in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW with a $250 prepaid card to help ease the cost of travel. 
  6. Revenue NSW Unclaimed Money: Find “lost” money waiting to be claimed from inactive bank accounts, shares and investments, insurance policies, unpaid wages, unclaimed super and deceased estates.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.

 

News for September 2022