The government recognises that those whose pensions were cancelled on 1 January 2017 lost their entitlement to a range of concessions without any change to their income or assets. From 9 October 2017, they will reinstate the Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) for these people. This change will enable people to regain access to discounts and concessions offered by states, territories and private providers.
Consistent with the Low-Income Health Care Card and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card they currently have, the PCC will be automatically reissued with an ongoing income and assets test exemption. Other eligibility requirements, such as portability conditions, will still need to be met.
These people will also retain the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card to ensure they continue to receive the Energy Supplement. Individuals may continue to use their Health Care Card until their PCC arrives in the mail. Once the PCC arrives in the mail, the Low-Income Health Care Card is no longer usable.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on (03) 9810 0700 or via advice@bgprivateclients.com.au.