FORMER part part-pensioners in Leichhardt will have their Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) reinstated from this week.
These former part-pensioners lost the card in January as a consequence of reforms to the pension assets test, which were designed to make the pension system more affordable and sustainable for the future.
Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said those reforms provided increased pension for people with lower levels of assets, whilst some part-pensioners with high levels of assets lost access to their part-pensions.
“As a consequence, those with higher levels of assets also lost their PCC and could no longer access a range of state and local government and private sector benefits, such as discounted council rates and public transport,” Mr Entsch said.
“I identified this as an issue after receiving very good feedback from pensioners within our region and raised it with the Minister, along with my parliamentary colleagues.
“I’m pleased to say the Minister listened to our concerns and responded accordingly by reversing the decision,” Mr Entsch said.
“In reinstating the PCC, the Federal Government is ensuring that these 90,000 former part-pensioners, including 480 in Leichhardt will be able to access those benefits again in the future.
“The PCC will be automatically reinstated from this week and it’s expected all those eligible will have their card within the next fortnight.
“Those expecting a reissued card don’t need to do anything to receive it, it will be sent to them automatically.
“They will also retain the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, which continued to be provided after the January 2017 pension changes. This means they will continue to be paid the energy supplement that they formerly received with their pension,” Mr Entsch said.
For more information about reinstatement of the pensioner concession card visit www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/news/pensioner-concession-card-reinstatement
For more information on assets levels visit
www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/enablers/assets
