Concession Cards for Seniors in the Northern Territory
You’ll find below a short summary of the discounts, concessions and payments available to seniors in the Northern Territory. The most up-to-date information about each concession, details of eligibility and how to apply can be found on the website links provided or by phoning the numbers listed.
Quick Links: NT Seniors Card | NT Concession Scheme (NTCS) | NT Seniors Recognition Scheme (NTSRS) | Commonwealth – Seniors Health Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card and Department of Veterans’ Affairs Health Cards
NT Seniors Card
The Northern Territory Seniors Card Program offers discounts at participating businesses in the NT and interstate. The Seniors Card is available to all permanent residents of the NT who are 60 years of age or older. All Seniors Card holders are also entitled to free travel on the public bus networks in Darwin and Alice Springs. NT Seniors Card holders also receive a $55 discount on the annual registration of their private motor vehicle.
Who administers this?
The Seniors Card Program is an Australia wide program managed by each State and Territory. COTA NT administer the NT Seniors Card program on behalf of the NT Government. For more information contact COTA (NT) on 1800 441 489 or visit ntseniorscard.org.au. > back to top
NT Concession Scheme (NTCS)
The NT Concession Scheme (NTCS) is a means-tested scheme, providing support with cost of living expenses in the Northern Territory. Concessions are available for electricity, water, rates, garbage, sewerage, motor vehicle registration, NT Driver Licence, and spectacles (every two years). Members must have a cost of living expense to receive concessions.
To be eligible, you must live in the NT for 183 days (six months) of each year, be an Australian citizen or Australian Permanent Resident and in receipt of an eligible Commonwealth means-tested benefit from the Department of Human Services (Centrelink). This includes Aged Pension, Disability Support Pension, Single Parenting Payment, Carer Payment and some DVA card holders.
Who administers this?
Previously known as the NT Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme, the NTCS is administered by Territory Families through the NT Concession and Recognition Unit.
For more information, call (freephone) 1800 777 704 or visit ntconcessions.nt.gov.au.
Note: Members of the NT Concession Scheme who also have a Seniors Card can receive both the discount and concession on motor vehicle registration and need to present both cards to Motor Vehicle Registry before paying fees. > back to top
NT Seniors Recognition Scheme (NTSRS)
The NT Seniors Recognition Scheme (NTSRS) recognises the valuable contribution seniors make to the Territory by providing an annual payment of $500 to members. The NTSRS is not means-tested. The $500 payment will be provided through a prepaid card and issued to eligible members from July each year. Members must use the payment within the financial year (expiry date shown on the prepaid card). The $500 prepaid card can be used towards travel, accommodation, fuel, telecommunication services and electricity, gas, water and sewerage services (utilities bills can be paid at Australia Post outlets that are Post Billpay enabled). Eligible members receive the prepaid card in the mail with the card PIN and terms and conditions. The prepaid needs to be activated before it can be used. To be eligible, you must live in the NT for 183 days (six months) of each year, be an Australian citizen or Australian Permanent Resident and 65 years or older.
Who administers this?
The NTSRS is administered by Territory Families through the NT Concession and Recognition Unit. For more information call (freephone) 1800 777 704 or visit ntconcessions.nt.gov.au.
Note: You can be a member of both NTCS and NTSRS if you meet the eligibility requirements. > back to top
Commonwealth Administered Cards
The cards below are examples of the cards issued by Services Australia (Department of Human Services) only and do not represent all categories of benefit. For more information call 132 200 or visit the web pages listed.
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
A concession card to get cheaper health care and some discounts if you’ve reached Age Pension age. To get this you must: be Age Pension age, be unable to get a payment from us or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, be under the income test limit and meet residence rules.
For more information visit the Commonwealth Seniors Health card web page on Services Australia. > back to top
Pensioner Concession Card
A concession card to get cheaper health care, medicines and some discounts if you get certain payments from us. If you are eligible, your card will be posted to you. For more information visit the Pensioner Concession Card web page on Services Australia. > back to top
Health Care Card
A concession card to get cheaper medicines and some discounts if you get a payment from Services Australia. You do not need to apply for a Health Care Card. If you are eligible, your card will be posted to you. For more information visit the Health Care Card web page on Services Australia. > back to top
Veteran Card (Gold, White and Orange)
The Veteran Card is a redesign of the DVA White, Gold and Orange cards. There are no changes to entitlements or the services you can access with these cards. The Veteran Card provides businesses the opportunity to offer concessions and benefits to veterans in recognition of their service. The benefits you can get with a Veteran Card will depend on the colour of your card. For more information, visit the Department of Veteran Affairs web pages on Veteran White Card, Veteran Gold Card and Veteran Orange Card. > back to top
