More seniors across regional NSW are set to benefit from the NSW Nationals in Government’s $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card, with thousands more veterans now eligible to apply for the card.
Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway said more regional and rural seniors would now be able to access essential services by using the $250 pre-loaded card on fuel, taxis, pre-booked NSW TrainLink Regional train and coach services.
“We understand that many seniors in regional areas have no other means of transport to access essential services like attending medical appointments or travelling to the shops for supplies,” Mr Farraway said.
“So while we are urging seniors to stay home as much as possible and avoid any non-essential travel right now, it’s important we continue to support seniors who need to carry out essential travel.
“So far in the Orange electorate alone there have been over 7000 successful applications, and 6300 in Barwon, from eligible seniors for the card.”
NSW Nationals Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said thousands more eligible seniors were expected to sign up for the card, which was designed to help ease the burden of travel costs and inject much-needed funds into regional economies.
“More than 270,000 seniors have already signed up for this card which is easing the burden of travel costs for eligible seniors living in the bush and injecting millions of dollars into regional economies,” Mr Toole said.
Eligibility criteria for the card has been widened to include seniors who have reached the Age Pension age and are receiving one of the following pensions from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs:
• Service Pension
• Disability Pension under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986
• War Widow(er)’s Pension.
These new recipients join people receiving the Age Pension and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders in being eligible for the card. All applicants must also live in regional NSW outside of Sydney, Newcastle or Wollongong.
Eligible seniors have until November 30 to apply for a card in 2020, and 12 months to use their card from activation.
With the latest health advice and risks associated with COVID-19, seniors are encouraged to apply online at service.nsw.gov.au or call 13 77 88 rather than visiting a Service NSW Service Centre.
Seniors must activate their card within 45 days of the date shown on the letter that has their card attached or it will be cancelled. To activate the card, call card services any time on 1800 569 070 or enroll on the card services website.
