Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall is excited to see the popular Regional Seniors Travel Card extended for another two years and made available to even more local seniors.
Tuesday, 6 July 2021
THE hugely successful $250 prepaid VISA Regional Seniors Travel Card will be accessible to more residents than ever from next year, with increased funding in the 2021-22 NSW Budget allowing those of Age Pension age who receive either a Disability Pension or a Carers Payment from Services Australia to apply for the card.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said more than 8,500 local seniors had benefited from so far this year, the second year travel card, saving more than $2.12 million.
“This program has changed lives by giving local seniors the freedom to travel to medical appointments, catch-ups with friends and visits family who live away – I’m ecstatic it is set to continue for two more years,” Mr Marshall said.
“When you are an aged pensioner, $250 in the back pocket goes a long way to covering expenses like groceries, medications and entertainment.
“The State Government has reviewed the schemes that support people with disability and their carers, to ensure they meet the needs of those in the regions.
“I’m so pleased that they will now be included in the next phase of this program.
“The card can be used for pre-booked NSW Trainlink Regional trains and coaches, fuel and taxis, making travelling more accessible and convenient for our seniors who often have less transport options than those living in the city.”
From 2022, eligible applicants will include seniors of age pension age with:
- A valid Pensioner Concession Card;
- A Commonwealth Seniors Health Card;
- A Disability Pension or a Carers Payment from Services Australia;
- A Service Pension issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs;
- A Disability Pension through the Department of Veteran’s Affairs under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986; and
- A War Widow Pension issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The regional boundaries for applicants will remain the same in 2022. More information about which regional areas are included in this initiative can be found at www.service.nsw.gov.au
Applications for 2022 cards will open in the New Year for the expanded list of eligible applicants.
Applications for the card can be made online at www.service.nsw.gov.au by calling 13 77 88 or by visiting a Service NSW Service Centre.