Concession cards, often referred to as health care cards, are issued by the Australian Government to those who receive certain social security payments or meet other conditions. There are several different concession cards available, including:
- the Ex-Carer Allowance (Child) Health Care Card, for people aged 16 to 25 who were on a Carer Allowance Health Care Card before they turned 16
- the Foster Child Health Care Card, for children who are in the care of someone other than their parents
- the Health Care Card, which is issued to people who receive payments including JobSeeker, Carer Allowance and Youth Allowance
- the Low-Income Health Care Card, available to people who meet an income test
- the Pensioner Concession Card, for those receiving payments including Parenting Payment Single and the Disability Support Pension.
More information about the different types of concession cards is available here.
This blog lists the various discounts that may be available to you if your name is listed on one of these cards, but it may not be an exhaustive list. It’s a good idea to ask if businesses or services offer a discount for concession card holders, just in case.
Education and activities
Help with sports, camps and excursions for school-aged children
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund is a grant you can apply for once a year for each of your school-aged children, if your concession card is valid on either the first day of Term 1 or Term 2 for that year. Primary students receive $125 each while secondary students receive $225, and payment is made directly to the school. The school is then able to use these funds towards excursions, camps, swimming lessons or other activities that your child participates in. Ask at your school office for a form.
$200 for extra-curricular activities for kids
You may be eligible for a voucher of up to $200 to put towards sports fees for each of your children, through the Get Active Victoria program. The vouchers can be used for all kinds of sports and activities, including gymnastics, football, athletics and Scouts. You can sign up here to be notified when the next round of applications is open.
Cheaper leisure activities
Some entertainment venues, including cinemas, swimming pools, zoos and museums offer cheaper entry to concession card holders, so always ask and show you card before you pay.
Health and medical
Cheaper prescriptions
If you have a concession card, you’ll receive a discount on PBS medications. The current price for subsidised prescriptions is $7.30. Show your Medicare and concession cards to the pharmacist when you drop off your prescription, to ensure you’re charged the correct price.
Medical services and equipment
As a concession card holder, you won’t pay a fee if you need to be transported in an ambulance. You may also be eligible for discounted eye care, free hearing checks and hearing aids, and affordable dental treatment through community clinics. If you need to travel long distances to attend specialist medical appointments, you may be able to apply to have some of these costs reimbursed.
Transport
Cheaper public transport fares
Concession card holders travelling on public transport in Victoria pay half the full fare for most trips. A two-hour Myki fare for Zone 1 and 2 will set you back $2.30, while a daily fare costs $4.60. You will need to have you concession card with you when you travel and show it to an Authorised Officer if required, otherwise you could be given a fine.
Discounted car and motorbike registration
VicRoads offers a variety of concessions on certain registration types, depending on the type of concession card you hold. These concessions can save you up to 50 per cent off your registration fee You can apply online via your VicRoads account, on in person at a Customer Service Centre. More information is available here.
Essential services
Discounts on mail redirection
If you’re moving house and need to get your mail redirected, make sure you show your concession card at Australia Post when you arrange the service.
Concessions on your utility bills
There is an annual electricity concession of 17.5 per cent on your electricity usage, although the discount does not apply to the first $171.60 of your annual bill. The electricity concession is available all year. There is also a winter gas concession which will be applied to you gas bill between 1 May and 31 October. The discount is 17.5 per cent off your gas usage and service costs.
If you have trouble paying your utility bills, you may also be eligible for a Utility Relief Grant if you meet certain criteria. You can receive up to $650 on each utility type over a two-year period, and you can apply for separate grants for your electricity, gas and water bills. To apply for the grant, you’ll need to call your retailer and request an application, which can be done on a paper form or online. The grant is available to both renters and homeowners. Further information about energy concessions and grants is available here.
As a concession card holder, you are also eligible for a 50 per cent discount on your water bill and sewerage charges. Contact all your utility providers to let them know you have a concession card, so you receive all the discounts you’re eligible for. Be sure to inform them of the start date on the card, as you may be eligible for some backdated discounts if you haven’t been receiving them.
Property
Eligible concession card holders can claim exemptions and concessions on fees and taxes incurred when purchasing property, including stamp duty. There is a helpful calculator available on the State Revenue Office website. You will also receive a discount of up to 50 per cent on your rates.
For further information on the discounts available for concession card holders, check out this helpful guide put together by the Victorian Government.
Have you found any other great discounts that are available for concession card holders? Share them with us on social media so that others can benefit too.
