ACT Government concessions for Older Persons

Rates Rebate

If you own a home in the ACT and receive the Aged Pension you are entitled to a 50% rebate on your rates capped at $700, plus a rebate of $98 on the Fire and Emergency Services Levy.

Rates Deferment

If you are aged over 65 and live in and own at least 75% of your home, you can apply to defer payment of all or part of your rates.

Utilities Concession

The Utilities Concession is paid directly to eligible residents to be used towards the costs of electricity, natural gas, water and sewerage.

Free Green Waste Bin

The one-off registration fee for a green bin is waived if you hold a:

• ACT Seniors Card
• Veteran Gold Card
• Pensioner Concession Card

Wheelie Bin Assistance

The ACT Government will provide support for people who are unable to wheel their rubbish or recycling bins out.

Affordable Rental Scheme

The Affordable Rental Office runs an affordable rental scheme for older Canberrans on low incomes. The amount of rent charged to tenants reflects the tenants’ capacity to pay.

Pensioner Duty Concession Scheme

The Pensioner Duty Concession reduces the conveyancing duty payable on the purchase of either a residential home or vacant land. The scheme aims to help with the costs of downsizing to housing that better suits the needs of the older person.

Free travel at all times

People who are:

• Vision Impaired Travel Passholders
• Veteran Gold Cardholders
• ACT residents aged over 70

can travel free at all times on public transport.

Free off-peak travel

People who are:

• Pension Cardholders
• Healthcare Cardholders
• ACT Seniors Cardholders

can travel free after 9am and before 4:30pm, all weekend and on public holidays

Car registration concessions

Pension Concession Cardholders do not pay car registration costs and Seniors Cardholders are entitled to a 10% discount on car registration costs.

Free Ambulance Services

Aged pension and health care concession cardholders are entitled to free ambulances services within the ACT.