Let’s face it: tolls are a fact of life for many Australians, especially those who commute regularly or travel between cities. For some, avoiding toll roads isn’t an option, and public transport doesn’t always offer the convenience or flexibility needed.
Over time, these toll costs can add up, impacting your weekly budget more than expected. If you’re a driver in Australia, you could be sitting on a small fortune without even realising it. Recent government schemes have made it possible to claim significant toll relief.
The New South Wales (NSW) government introduced a $60 weekly toll cap in 2024 to ease the financial burden on regular commuters.
Eligible drivers can claim up to $340 a week in rebates—a significant boost for anyone feeling the pinch of rising living costs.
The NSW government’s toll relief scheme has left a staggering $130 million unclaimed, and motorists must claim their share soon.
Since the scheme’s launch, more than $139 million has already been paid out, with the lion’s share going to Western Sydney suburbs such as Blacktown, Baulkham Hills, Marsden Park, and Bankstown.
But here’s the kicker: there’s still $130 million in the pot, waiting to be claimed by drivers who’ve racked up tolls between 1 January 2024 and the end of March 2025.
According to Minister for Transport John Graham, the scheme is working in the areas that need it most.
‘These are the parts of Western Sydney where paying a toll is not a choice and in many cases relying on public transport is not a viable choice either,’ he said.
So far, only three suburbs—Blacktown, Baulkham Hills, and Auburn—have cracked the $2 million mark in toll rebates.
Other areas, including Merrylands, Marsden Park, Castle Hill, Quakers Hill, Lakemba, Kellyville, Bankstown, Greystanes, West Pennant Hills, and Punchbowl, have received over $1 million.
But with so much money still unclaimed, it’s clear that thousands of eligible drivers haven’t yet put their hands up.
If you’ve been paying tolls in NSW this year, you could be eligible for a rebate—but you’ll need to act fast.
Claims for the 2024 calendar year must be lodged by 30 June. The process is straightforward: you can apply online or visit your local Service NSW Centre for assistance.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib, encouraged everyone to check their eligibility.
‘This initiative, delivered through Service NSW, puts money back into people’s pockets at a time when we know families across the state are doing it tough,’ he said.
If you miss the June deadline, don’t panic—claims for the second quarter open on 9 July, and rebates for the 2025 calendar year can be claimed until 30 June next year.
But why wait? That money could be helping with your next grocery shop, a bill, or even a little treat for yourself.
How to check and claim: A step-by-step guide
- Log in to your Service NSW account. If you don’t have one, it’s easy to set one up.
- Check your toll usage. Review your statements for trips made since 1 January 2024.
- Submit your claim. Follow the prompts online, or visit a Service NSW Centre for face-to-face help.
- Wait for your rebate. Once approved, the money will be deposited directly into your nominated account.
Have you claimed your toll relief yet? Did you find the process easy, or did you hit any roadblocks? Share your experiences in the comments below—your tips could help others get their fair share!
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