Seniors confused as concessions go unclaimed

Utility rebates such as gas, electricity and water Medical discounts Public transport and travel benefits

Shopping discounts at hundreds of retailers across Australia

Cheaper council rates

SENIOR Australians are missing out on money because it’s difficult to discover the dozens of government entitlements available to them.

Financial benefits from federal, state and local governments are offered to pensioners and other retirees but can’t be found in one place, resulting in seniors having to search several websites. Later Life Advice director Brendan Ryan said there had been a “mad proliferation” of government departments, schemes, rebates and bonuses.

“There’s at least 40 rebates, supplements or schemes for someone who is eligible for the age pension,” he said.

Mr Ryan said it could be tricky to track down benefits because there was no complete list. “For older Australians it’s not just different levels of government … it’s also different departments, different programs and different kinds of eligibility,” he said. “It’s bloody confusing.” Different concessions are offered by each state, and some may surprise you. For example, NSW offers discounts of up to 50 per cent for seniors to buy new fridges and TVs.

Retirees should first check their own state government’s websites for details about seniors cards and concessions.

Seniors group COTA Australia’s chief executive, Ian Yates, said people should ask other retirees about the benefits they were receiving, or even check with their local member of parliament.

“Some states have driver’s licence discounts and even car registration discounts,” he said.

“Some states have now introduced a general rebate. It’s very hard to keep up with it – the easiest way is online.”

Mr Yates said nobody really knew how many people were missing out but there was general awareness about concessions for seniors.

“I don’t know that there’s one place you can go. They do vary between states in terms of things like local council rates, transport and so on,” he said.

Incentives are regularly changing. For example, generous changes to the Federal Government’s pension loan scheme and work bonus passed through Parliament in February this year and are set to start on July 1.