Single mum shares how she scored an $800 cash boost in 10 minutes

If you’re anything like us, you know that every dollar counts—especially when juggling the rising cost of living, groceries, and the never-ending list of expenses that come with raising a family or simply making ends meet. 

But what if we told you there’s a little-known Centrelink benefit that could put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket, and all it takes is a quick phone call? 

That’s precisely what happened to Alyce Verade, a single mum from the Blue Mountains. 

She recently discovered she was eligible for a whopping $800 refund, thanks to her Pensioner Concession Card (PCC). The best part? The whole process took less than 10 minutes.

Verade, who receives the Single Parenting Payment and has held a PCC since December 2023, stumbled upon this money-saving tip not from a government website or a financial advisor, but from her hairdresser. 

Curious, she called Service New South Wales (NSW) to check her eligibility. She was pleasantly surprised to learn she could claim a full refund on her $692 car registration, plus a partial refund of over $200 for her driver’s licence. 

That’s more than $800 in her bank account—a significant boost for any household.

‘They were so helpful. It was over and all done within 10 minutes,’ Verade said. 

‘She asked a few questions and had to know my Centrelink number and my last transaction with Service NSW.’

What is the Pensioner Concession Card, and who can get it?

The Pensioner Concession Card is a golden ticket for many Australians, offering a range of benefits that can make a real difference to your budget. 

If you receive certain payments from Services Australia, such as the Age Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, JobSeeker or Youth Allowance (if you’re single, caring for a dependent child and looking for work), or the Parenting Payment Single, you’ll automatically receive a PCC. 

No need to apply; it’ll arrive in your mailbox if you’re eligible. The perks vary depending on where you live, but here’s a taste of what’s on offer:

• Cheaper medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
• Bulk-billed doctor visits (at the discretion of your GP)
• Discounts on electricity, gas, and water bills
• Reduced property and council rates
• Lower public transport fares
• Discounted or free car registration and driver’s licences
• Concessions on vehicle transfer fees, stamp duty, and more

Let’s break it down by state and territory:

• New South Wales: Free car registration and driver’s licences for eligible cardholders, plus exemptions from a range of vehicle-related fees.
• Victoria: 50 per cent discount on motor vehicle registration fees.
• Queensland: Concessions to reduce the cost of registering a vehicle.
• Other states and territories: Each has its range of discounts and concessions, from utility bills to public transport.

Why aren’t more people claiming these benefits?

Verade’s story is a classic example of how many Australians aren’t aware of the full range of concessions they’re entitled to. 

‘I was so shocked that I was eligible for that,’ she said. ‘That $800 is going to go towards the kids’ groceries, bills, and school clothes. That’s where all the money always goes.’

She’s now spreading the word to friends and family and encourages others to do the same. 

‘One of my friends, I contacted as soon as I found out. She’s getting $500 back,’ Verade said.

‘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.’

How to check if you’re eligible

If you have a Pensioner Concession Card, it’s well worth making a quick call to your state’s service centre (like Service NSW, VicRoads, or your local equivalent) to ask about refunds or discounts on licences and other fees. 

You’ll usually need your Centrelink number and basic details about your most recent transactions.

And don’t forget—the rules and benefits can change, so it pays to check in regularly or whenever your circumstances change.

Here are some handy links to get you started:

• Australian Capital Territory: Cost of living support
• New South Wales: Community Support
• Northern Territory: Concessions and payments
• Queensland: Concessions
• South Australia: Disability concessions and entitlements
• Tasmania: Discounts & concessions
• Victoria: Personal benefits
• Western Australia: Concessions

Have you scored a refund or discount thanks to your Pensioner Concession Card? Or have you discovered a hidden benefit that others might not know about? Share your story in the comments below.

Also read: Surprise Centrelink boost: Find out if you’ll get more money in weeks!