Drivers discover that the government owes them hundreds of dollars—Find out if they owe you too!
By
VanessaC
- Replies 12
The government has been quietly doling out cash to Aussie drivers, and many are unaware they could be eligible for a significant rebate.
As we head into the holiday season, this unexpected windfall could be a welcome surprise for many.
The NSW government has set aside a substantial sum for drivers who have used toll roads since July 2022.
Each eligible driver could claim up to $1552, a significant amount that could ease the financial strain going into Christmas.
The news was brought to light by a vigilant citizen who took to social media to remind her fellow drivers, 'If you haven’t already done it, the NSW government owes you money.'
'It's your money!' She emphasised.
She urged drivers to log into their Service NSW account and look for the 'claim your toll rebate' option. Following the prompts would reveal whether they were eligible for a rebate and, if so, how much.
The post also highlighted a new feature for NSW drivers who are sole traders, as they can now claim by linking their business account.
'Unless your app says “no claims currently available” then the government owes you money. Go get it,' she wrote.
The response was overwhelming, with many drivers expressing their surprise and gratitude.
'You legend. We're getting back $750 that we really need right now,' one commented.
Others chimed in with their own success stories, with rebates ranging from $190 to $300.
The woman also criticised Service NSW for not making the rebates more apparent.
'It’s our money! And sure, it is “available”, but you have to hunt around for it so much,' she said.
'I think the people who need it most this Christmas have no idea it is even there for the taking.'
A Service NSW spokesperson confirmed that millions had been paid out to drivers in toll rebates.
'As of November 24, 2023, $125 million worth of toll relief successful claims paid to 343,000 eligible motorists with an average of $364 per claim, with 99 per cent customer satisfaction,' they said.
'The Toll Relief Rebate Scheme opened on 24 January 2023, allowing eligible motorists to claim a 40 per cent rebate on a quarterly basis once they spend more than $375 a year, up to a maximum rebate claim of $750 a year.'
'Eligible motorists who spend more than $402 a year on tolls in the 2023-24 financial year will receive a 40 [per cent] rebate and can also be claimed quarterly, up to $802 for the financial year.'
'Eligible customers accrued toll spend for this rebate is until 30 June 2025.'
Sole traders can claim up to $1500 in rebates in 2023 and $1605 in 2024. The minimum road toll spend and the maximum rebate will increase each year the subsidy is running.
The rebate can be claimed quarterly, with the deadline being one year after the fiscal period closes. Any outstanding rebates will be carried forward to the subsequent financial year.
To claim, drivers need to link their toll account to their MyServiceNSW account. This allows them to check their toll spend and ensure it exceeds the rebate thresholds.
To be eligible for the rebate, drivers must meet the following criteria:
The eligible toll roads include Westlink M7, Hills M2, NorthConnex, WestConnex, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Lane Cove Tunnel, Eastern Distributor, Cross City Tunnel, Military Road E-Ramp and M5 South-West, unless you already claim rebates from the M5 South-West cashback scheme.
The Toll Relief Rebate Scheme is a government initiative led by former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet and is part of the $7 billion cost-of-living relief package earlier this year.
It's a response to the increasing financial burden and the heavy reliance on toll roads for many commuters and businesses.
The scheme works by offering a rebate to drivers who spend a certain amount on tolls within a financial year. The more you spend, the larger your rebate, up to a set maximum. The rebate is calculated as a percentage of your total toll spend, so the more you use toll roads, the more you stand to get back.
It is particularly beneficial for sole traders and small businesses, who often rely heavily on toll roads for their operations. With the potential to claim back thousands of dollars each year, it can make a significant difference to their finances.
Members, did you know about this rebate scheme? Have you received your rebates yet? Let us know in the comments below!
As we head into the holiday season, this unexpected windfall could be a welcome surprise for many.
The NSW government has set aside a substantial sum for drivers who have used toll roads since July 2022.
Each eligible driver could claim up to $1552, a significant amount that could ease the financial strain going into Christmas.
The news was brought to light by a vigilant citizen who took to social media to remind her fellow drivers, 'If you haven’t already done it, the NSW government owes you money.'
'It's your money!' She emphasised.
She urged drivers to log into their Service NSW account and look for the 'claim your toll rebate' option. Following the prompts would reveal whether they were eligible for a rebate and, if so, how much.
The post also highlighted a new feature for NSW drivers who are sole traders, as they can now claim by linking their business account.
'Unless your app says “no claims currently available” then the government owes you money. Go get it,' she wrote.
The response was overwhelming, with many drivers expressing their surprise and gratitude.
'You legend. We're getting back $750 that we really need right now,' one commented.
Others chimed in with their own success stories, with rebates ranging from $190 to $300.
The woman also criticised Service NSW for not making the rebates more apparent.
'It’s our money! And sure, it is “available”, but you have to hunt around for it so much,' she said.
'I think the people who need it most this Christmas have no idea it is even there for the taking.'
A Service NSW spokesperson confirmed that millions had been paid out to drivers in toll rebates.
'As of November 24, 2023, $125 million worth of toll relief successful claims paid to 343,000 eligible motorists with an average of $364 per claim, with 99 per cent customer satisfaction,' they said.
'The Toll Relief Rebate Scheme opened on 24 January 2023, allowing eligible motorists to claim a 40 per cent rebate on a quarterly basis once they spend more than $375 a year, up to a maximum rebate claim of $750 a year.'
'Eligible motorists who spend more than $402 a year on tolls in the 2023-24 financial year will receive a 40 [per cent] rebate and can also be claimed quarterly, up to $802 for the financial year.'
'Eligible customers accrued toll spend for this rebate is until 30 June 2025.'
Sole traders can claim up to $1500 in rebates in 2023 and $1605 in 2024. The minimum road toll spend and the maximum rebate will increase each year the subsidy is running.
The rebate can be claimed quarterly, with the deadline being one year after the fiscal period closes. Any outstanding rebates will be carried forward to the subsequent financial year.
To claim, drivers need to link their toll account to their MyServiceNSW account. This allows them to check their toll spend and ensure it exceeds the rebate thresholds.
To be eligible for the rebate, drivers must meet the following criteria:
The eligible toll roads include Westlink M7, Hills M2, NorthConnex, WestConnex, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Lane Cove Tunnel, Eastern Distributor, Cross City Tunnel, Military Road E-Ramp and M5 South-West, unless you already claim rebates from the M5 South-West cashback scheme.
The Toll Relief Rebate Scheme is a government initiative led by former NSW premier Dominic Perrottet and is part of the $7 billion cost-of-living relief package earlier this year.
It's a response to the increasing financial burden and the heavy reliance on toll roads for many commuters and businesses.
The scheme works by offering a rebate to drivers who spend a certain amount on tolls within a financial year. The more you spend, the larger your rebate, up to a set maximum. The rebate is calculated as a percentage of your total toll spend, so the more you use toll roads, the more you stand to get back.
It is particularly beneficial for sole traders and small businesses, who often rely heavily on toll roads for their operations. With the potential to claim back thousands of dollars each year, it can make a significant difference to their finances.
Key Takeaways
- Aussie drivers have been reminded that they are entitled to hundreds of dollars in rebates from the NSW government for toll road usage from July 2022.
- Each driver is eligible to claim up to $1552. The claim can be made by logging into their Service NSW account and finding the 'claim your toll rebate' option.
- Sole traders can claim even higher rebates, up to $1500 in 2023 and $1605 in 2024.
- Many drivers were unaware of their eligibility and have been surprised with substantial cash rebates after checking their accounts.
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