A list of available benefits and support schemes can be found in this Fact Sheet or using the buttons below to jump to a topic.
Below are some common benefits and allowances that may be available. Click on the button to jump straight to that item.
Carer Payment
You receive:
- A fortnightly Carer Payment from Centrelink
- A Pensioner Concession Card – see below for benefits of a Pensioner Concession Card
- A Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) if you are studying
- Access to a Centrelink Jobs, Education and Training adviser (JET) to enter or re-enter the workforce
- Pharmaceutical Allowance – paid automatically with your Carer Payment
- Telephone Allowance – paid automatically with your Carer Payment
You may also receive:
- Rent assistance
- Remote Area Allowance
For more information, phone 13 27 17 or visit www.centrelink.gov.au
Carers Supplement
This is an annual lump sum payment paid every July to recipients of Carer’s allowance and Carer’s payment. Please contact Centrelink to enquire about your eligibility.
Carer Allowance
Caring for an adult aged 16 or over, you receive a fortnightly Carer Allowance.
For more information, phone 13 27 17 or visit www.centrelink.gov.au .
Veteran White Card
You may be eligible for a White Card if you are:
- A current or former Australian Defence Force (ADF) member, including reservists and cadets, with a service-related injury or condition accepted by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA); or
- A Commonwealth or Allied veteran with a service-related injury or condition accepted by your country of service.
If you are eligible the White Card can provide you with medical treatment for brain tumours covered under non-liability health care. To speak with someone at DVA, call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or visit their webpage for more information.
Pension Concession Card
Holders are entitled to:
- Reductions in council property rates and charges: Most councils will grant a reduction in property rates and domestic waste management charges. For more information, contact your local council.
- Water bill reductions
- Electricity bill rebate: an energy concession per year applies to the cost of electricity. This is paid in instalments through your energy bill. For more information, phone:
| Queensland | 13 74 68 |
| Tasmania | (03) 6166 4400 |
| Victoria | 13 61 86 |
| Western Australia | (08) 6551 4600 |
| Northern Territory | 1800 777 704 |
| South Australia | 1800 307 758 |
| Australian Capital Territory | (02) 6207 0028 |
| New South Wales | 13 77 88 |
Licence concessions
If you are a concession holder issued with a ‘nil’ renewal account you must still present your driver licence renewal form to a licensing centre or agent or any participating Australian Post Office to record the new licence expiry date for the issue of a driver’s licence card.
Vehicle licence concessions
If you are the holder of a pension concession card you may be eligible for a vehicle registration concession of up to 100% depending upon the type of vehicle you wish to register or, if you are a pensioner or a member of an eligible group.
Taxi services
A 12-month extension for the ‘standby taxi’ system to ensure that all wheelchair taxi requests can be met in a timely and reliable manner; a 12-month trial of an increased night time lifting incentive of $20 for MPT operators to provide a wheelchair service between 6pm and 8am, and an increase in the Taxi User Subsidy Scheme (TUSS) cap on the level of subsidy from $25 to $35 for trips undertaken by 75 per cent eligible TUSS members travelling in wheelchairs, or with a scooter, in a MPT or wheelchair accessible country taxi.
The Australian Government issues, through DVA, a Pensioner Concession Card to eligible persons on service pensions, age pensions, and income support supplement. Holders are eligible for a range of Australian Government concessions including the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, the National Diabetes Services Scheme, benefits through the Office of Hearing Services, and some discounts on Great Southern Railway services, Telstra and Australia Post services.
Pensioner Concession Card holders in many states and territories are also eligible for an annual free trip on the state railways. Other concessions may be available on inner town and metropolitan train and bus services.
Discounts may be available on motor vehicle registration and driver’s licences. Taxi subsidies for Pensioner Concession Card holders with severe disabilities may be available. Discounts, subsidies and other assistance may be available on rates, utilities and housing expenses, subject to conditions.
Rebates on ambulance cover, dental care, eye examinations and spectacles may be available, and the patient contribution under the Patients Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) for isolated residents may be waived.
NDIS
The NDIS stands for the National Disability Insurance Scheme and provides all people with disability with information and connections to services in their communities such as doctors and support groups, as well as information about what support is provided by each state and territory government. The overarching ethos of the NDIS is to enable people to maximise choice and control over their lives and the supports they purchase to help maximise economic and social participation and independent living.
To receive funding from the NDIS, you must be under age 65 with a disability that is both permanent and significant. A permanent disability means it is likely to be with you for life. A significant disability affects your ability to take part in everyday activities. Not all brain cancer patients will be eligible for NDIS support; eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Visit the NDIS website for more information.