Blue Mountains Mum Secures $800 Rego Refund
A single mother from the Blue Mountains has secured more than $800 after discovering an overlooked Centrelink benefit. Alyce Verade, 37, received the unexpected windfall after making one phone call to Service NSW. She said the money would go directly towards her three children, covering essential costs like groceries, bills, and school clothes.
Alyce Verade
Concession Card Triggers Vehicle Registration Refund
Verade receives the Single Parenting Payment and has held a Pensioner Concession Card since December 2023. The card provides access to several state-based benefits including discounted medicine and bulk-billed GP visits. In New South Wales, eligible cardholders can receive a refund on car registration and driver’s licence fees.
Unexpected Saving from a Simple Enquiry
Verade told Yahoo Finance she learned about the refund from her hairdresser. She immediately contacted Service NSW to check eligibility. The call took only 10 minutes. “They were so helpful. It was over and all done within 10 minutes. She asked a few questions and had to know my Centrelink number and my last transaction with Service NSW,” Verade said.
Service NSW confirmed her eligibility. She received a refund of $692 for her car registration and a partial licence refund of over $200. The total refund exceeded $800. Verade said she was surprised by the outcome. “I was so shocked that I was eligible for that,” she said.
Centrelink Benefit Offers Multiple Concessions
Service NSW confirmed that Pensioner Concession Card holders can access exemptions and discounts. These include registration fees, vehicle tax, conditional registration, transfer fees, and stamp duty. Eligible cardholders also receive free licences, driving tests, riding skills tests, and other related benefits.
State-Specific Concession Differences Explained
Concession eligibility varies by state and territory. In Victoria, cardholders receive a 50 per cent discount on motor vehicle registration. Queensland offers registration cost reductions for eligible concession holders. Specific fee details are available through state government portals.
Who Gets a Pensioner Concession Card
Services Australia issues Pensioner Concession Cards to eligible recipients. The card is automatically sent to those receiving qualifying Centrelink payments. These include the Age Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, and the Parenting Payment Single. JobSeeker and Youth Allowance recipients who are single and caring for a dependent child are also eligible.
Range of Benefits Offered Nationwide
Cardholders can receive discounts across utilities, healthcare, transport, and vehicle registration. States and territories offer these concessions through government or local council programs. For example, discounted electricity and gas bills, lower property and water rates, and reduced public transport fares are commonly available.
List of Government Links Provided
Australians can check benefits through official state and territory websites. These include the ACT Cost of Living Support, NSW Government Community Support, NT Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme, and Queensland Concessions. Other states also list available discounts under Tasmania’s Discounts and Concessions, Victoria’s Concessions and Benefits, and Western Australia’s Concession Services.
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Mum Encourages Others to Check Entitlements
Verade currently juggles three casual jobs in retail and as a teacher’s aide. She supports three children aged seven, six, and three. She said the refund has eased pressure on her budget. “That $800 is going to go towards the kids, that’s where all the money always goes,” she told Yahoo Finance.
She encouraged others to explore what they could claim. “People who are on the pension, whether that be on the single parenting, disability or age pension, there are things out there to help us to make our day-to-day life easier for us,” she said.
Others Benefit from Simple Checks
Verade immediately shared the news with friends. One of her friends has already claimed a $500 refund. “One of my friends, I contacted as soon as I found out. She’s getting $500 back,” she said.
Australians Urged to Check Centrelink Benefits
Verade’s story highlights a little-known benefit that could provide relief for many struggling households. She believes others can achieve similar outcomes with minimal effort. Her experience has shown that a simple phone call can result in hundreds of dollars in refunds.
State and territory differences apply. Services Australia advises eligible Australians to check their benefit entitlements based on their location and card status.
