The Hidden Perks Under Your Nose: How a 10-Minute Call Got One Aussie $800 (and What Else You Might Be Missing)
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Have you ever found a $20 note in an old coat pocket? It’s a delightful surprise – like getting free money. Now imagine finding $800 with a quick phone call. Sounds too good to be true?
It happened to one Australian mum, and it could happen to you or someone you know. In this editorial, we’re diving into the little-known Centrelink benefits that can lead to surprise cash boosts.
From an annual Family Tax Benefit bonus to hidden pensioner perks, you’ll learn what they are, who’s eligible, how to claim them, and why they’re often overlooked. We’ll share real-life stories (with a bit of humour and honest commentary) to help you navigate these opportunities.
By the end, you might wonder: have I been leaving money on the table? Let’s find out.
Image source: Seniors Discount Club
A 10-Minute Phone Call for an $800 Refund – True Story
Meet Alyce Verade, a single mum of three from the Blue Mountains. Like many of us, Alyce was juggling bills and budgets when a casual conversation with her hairdresser turned into a small financial miracle.The hairdresser mentioned a little-known concession for people with certain Centrelink cards. Alyce, who receives a Single Parenting Payment, had a Pensioner Concession Card in her wallet – a card many retirees also carry. Curious, she phoned Service NSW to ask if she was entitled to anything. “They were so helpful... it was over and all done within 10 minutes,” Alyce said of that call. Ten minutes later, she hung up the phone $800 richer.
How did this happen? It turns out Alyce was eligible for a vehicle registration and driver’s licence refund in New South Wales, thanks to her concession card. Service NSW confirmed she qualified for a full refund of her car rego (about $692) and a partial refund on her licence fees, totaling over $800 back in her pocket.
“I was so shocked that I was eligible for that,” Alyce admitted. That refund went straight to essentials for her kids – groceries, bills, school clothes – easing the pressure on her budget.
Alyce’s story might sound unique, but it shines a spotlight on an important fact: there are benefits and refunds out there that many Australians simply don’t know about. In her case, the Pensioner Concession Card – commonly associated with retirees on the Age Pension – unlocked a state-based rebate that had been hiding in plain sight.
“People who are on the pension – whether that be on the single parenting, disability or age pension – there are things out there to help us, to make our day-to-day life easier,” Alyce said, urging others to check their entitlements. Her experience shows that sometimes a simple phone call can result in hundreds of dollars in refunds.
So, how many of these hidden perks do you know about? Let’s explore one of the big ones that often flies under the radar – one that might even deliver a nice surprise at tax time.
Family Tax Benefit Part A Supplement: The $700+ Surprise Many Forget
If you raised kids in Australia, you’re probably familiar with the Family Tax Benefit (FTB). It’s a payment to help with the costs of raising children. What you might not know is that Part A of this benefit comes with a yearly supplement – essentially a bonus lump sum – that can exceed $900 per child each year.Yes, you read that right. This is money that many families get after the financial year ends, once their income is confirmed. Think of it as the government’s way of saying “Here’s a little extra for keeping within the income limits.”
What is the FTB Part A supplement? It’s an end-of-year top-up paid per child, on top of your regular fortnightly Family Tax Benefit Part A payments. For the 2024–25 year, the maximum supplement is about $916 per child. To get it, your family’s adjusted taxable income must be $80,000 or less for the year.
Centrelink only pays this supplement after you and your partner (if you have one) lodge your tax returns or otherwise confirm your income – a process they call “balancing” your payments. In other words, once the tax office data is in, Centrelink does a true-up: if you earned under the threshold and received FTB throughout the year, you get the full supplement. If you earned more or already got the maximum during the year, you might not.
Who’s eligible? Anyone who received Family Tax Benefit Part A for at least part of the year and whose annual family income is under $80k can receive the Part A supplement. It’s also available to those who claim FTB Part A as a lump sum after the year ends. (Some families choose to claim FTB at year’s end rather than get fortnightly payments – often to avoid overpayments. If that’s you, you’ll get the supplement if you qualify once your claim is processed.)
How to claim it? The good news is, if you’re already getting FTB Part A, you don’t need to file a separate claim. Just make sure to lodge your tax returns (and your partner lodges theirs) by the deadline and ensure all information is up to date. Centrelink will automatically calculate any supplement due when they reconcile your payments.
If you’re claiming FTB as a lump sum, you’ll need to submit that claim within 1 year of the end of the financial year to get the payment. For example, you have until 30 June 2025 to claim FTB for the 2023–24 year. Miss that window, and you miss the supplement (and the entire payment, for that matter).
Why do people overlook it? In part because it’s not a part of regular fortnightly budgeting – it comes later. Many families might not realize how much it’s worth until they get it (a nice problem to have!), and those who are unsure of their income sometimes delay claiming FTB, risking missing the claim deadline.
Additionally, the supplement has conditions (like that income cap and ensuring kids meet immunisation and school requirements in some cases), so if those aren’t met, it doesn’t get paid. It’s also a victim of constant policy changes – the supplement amount has changed over the years and was nearly abolished at one point.
But as of now, it’s alive and well. In short, it’s a bit of a “set and forget” bonus – easy to forget, but very nice to get!
If you know anyone with young children (perhaps your adult kids or grandkids’ parents), it’s worth a friendly nudge: “Hey, did you get your Family Tax Benefit supplement this year?” It could be an extra few hundred (or a few thousand) dollars waiting for them. And if you’re the one eligible, make sure you’ve ticked all the boxes to get your payment balanced. You don’t want to leave that money unclaimed.
Now, let’s turn to some benefits more relevant to older Australians – including one that helped Alyce and is certainly helping many seniors, and another that should be helping many more seniors if only they knew about it.
The Magic of the Pensioner Concession Card (It’s More Than Cheaper Medicine)
If you’re over 60 or on a government pension, you likely have a Pensioner Concession Card (PCC). Most of us think of the PCC in terms of cheaper prescriptions and bulk-billed GP visits, and indeed that’s a core benefit. But the magic of this little card goes far beyond the pharmacy. It can unlock a slew of state, territory, and local concessions – from discounted utility bills to free or cheaper public transport and vehicle registration. These perks can put real money back in your wallet, yet many cardholders aren’t fully aware of them all.Take the case of the vehicle registration refund that Alyce received. In New South Wales, Pensioner Concession Card holders are exempt from registration fees and driver’s licence fees on one vehicle – even if you’ve already paid them, you can get a refund for the period covered once you show you had the card.
That’s why Alyce’s quick call yielded such a windfall. Other states have similar perks: in Victoria, for example, PCC holders get a 50% discount on car registration fees. In Queensland, there are significant rego reductions for concession holders.
Many states also offer discounts or rebates on council rates, water bills, and electricity for seniors and concession card holders. These can easily amount to hundreds of dollars of savings each year – if you know to ask for them.
And that’s the kicker: you often have to actively claim or apply for these concessions. The concession card by itself doesn’t magically reduce your bills; you usually need to inform the service provider (be it the motor registry, the council, or the energy company) that you’re eligible. As one example, six in ten Australians eligible for energy bill discounts aren’t getting them, simply because they haven’t told their power company about their concession status.
By some estimates, about $108 million worth of energy rebates go unclaimed each year because of this. That’s a lot of seniors and pensioners paying more for electricity than they need to. In fact, research found two-thirds of concession card holders were unaware of the discounts on their power bills that they could be getting.
The government is now pushing energy retailers to automatically apply these, but until that happens, a quick call to your provider could save you a nice chunk on the next bill.
Let’s not forget the everyday perks the PCC brings: discounted public transport fares, reduced charges on things like driver’s licences and car rego (varying by state), cheaper entry to some museums or exhibitions, and often discounts at certain businesses. It’s always worth asking, “Do you have a seniors or concession discount?” Many places do, but they might not advertise it.
For instance, some local councils offer free pet registration for pensioners, or free driver’s licence renewals. Even Australia Post has concession stamps for pension card holders (cheaper postage adds up if you still love sending letters the old-fashioned way).
The bottom line: The Pensioner Concession Card is a key to many savings. If you have one, take a moment to review what’s available in your state or territory (Service NSW, Service Victoria, etc., have websites listing “Concessions and rebates” for card holders). You might find a benefit you didn’t know about.
And if you’ve recently gone onto a pension (or will soon), definitely get that card and start flashing it – it’s legitimately one of the best “freebies” that comes with being on a Centrelink payment.
Now, what if you’re of Age Pension age but not actually on the Age Pension? Maybe you’re a self-funded retiree. You won’t get a PCC, but there’s another card for you – and it’s so valuable it’s been called a “gem” among retiree benefits, potentially saving tens of thousands. Amazingly, over a million older Aussies who could get it haven’t claimed it yet! Let’s talk about the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
Retiree Alert: The $60,000 Card Too Many Ignore (Commonwealth Seniors Health Card)
You might have heard of the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) – it’s a special card for older Australians who are not on the Age Pension but meet an income test. Essentially, it’s for seniors who just miss out on the pension or choose not to take it, perhaps because of their assets or other income.The CSHC doesn’t provide you cash payments, but it opens the door to a host of savings and concessions that can be as good as money in the bank. And yet, as of early 2025, an estimated 1.5 million self-funded retirees are not using this card – with around one million of them likely eligible to get it!
So what’s the big deal? For starters, the CSHC gives you access to cheaper medications under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). With the card, you pay only $7.70 per prescription (for medicines on the PBS) instead of the usual higher amount, and you have a lower safety net threshold (meaning once you spend a certain amount in a year, meds become free). Health-wise, that’s huge – but there’s more.
CSHC holders can also get the annual Energy Supplement (to help with bills), and many states/territories extend certain seniors’ discounts to CSHC holders as well. This can include concessions on electricity bills, council rates, public transport and more. It’s not always as comprehensive as the Pensioner Concession Card, but it’s close – and every bit helps.
Let’s talk dollars and cents: According to an analysis by Retirement Essentials, the average savings from using a CSHC for things like medicines, energy rebates, and other discounts can be around $3,000 a year for a single retiree. Over 20 years of retirement, that’s $60,000 kept in your pocket (or rather, not paid out in expenses). Sixty thousand! Even for a couple, the savings are significant, though couples have slightly different thresholds. The key point is that this card can substantially improve your retirement finances by lowering your cost of living.
So why are so many missing out? One reason is lack of awareness – people simply don’t realize they’re eligible. The CSHC used to have lower income limits, but recent changes have raised the income threshold significantly. As of September 2024, singles can have up to ~$99,000 in annual income and couples up to ~$158,000 and still qualify. These limits have gone up with inflation and legislative tweaks, meaning a lot of folks who weren’t eligible a few years ago might be eligible now. And importantly, there is no asset test for the CSHC.
Unlike the Age Pension, Centrelink doesn’t look at your house or other assets for this card – they only look at taxable income (including deemed income from investments). For example, you could have a couple million in superannuation assets, depending on how they’re structured, and still qualify if your income drawn is within the limits.
Another reason people miss out is confusion with the Age Pension. Some assume if they don’t qualify for a pension, there’s nothing else for them. Not true – the CSHC is tailor-made for those people. It’s literally free to get (no cost, just an application) and can be kept as long as you meet the criteria.
James Coyle, a finance expert, noted that many retirees are “in the dark” about this card. He pointed out that while some of the 1.5 million not on it have incomes too high, “a conservative calculation would be in the order of one million self-funded retirees that could be eligible that are not receiving it”. That’s a lot of people leaving money (or rather, savings) on the table.
If you’re over 67 and not on any Centrelink pension, check if you can get the CSHC. The basic conditions are: you’ve reached Age Pension age, you don’t receive a social security payment (like Age Pension or Veterans’ pension), you meet the residency requirements, and your income (as defined by Centrelink, which includes adjusted taxable income plus deeming on investments) is under the limit.
You’ll need to provide a Tax File Number and some ID, but the process is not too onerous – you can claim online via myGov or visit Centrelink to apply. Once you have the card, it’s time to enjoy those perks you’ve been missing. Cheaper meds? Check. Potential state rebates on electricity or rates? Check. Bulk-billed doctor visits? Often easier to get, since GPs know you’re a senior card holder. Even things like hearing services – the card can help you access the government Hearing Services Program for discounted hearing aids.
Given the rising cost of living, this is one “hidden” benefit that shouldn’t stay hidden. As one article quipped, this little-known Centrelink benefit is a gem in the realm of retiree benefits – and now that you know about it, make sure you or your eligible loved ones aren’t missing out.
Other Overlooked Gems: From Carer Payments to Tax Offsets
We’ve covered the big-ticket surprises – an $800 refund here, a $900 child supplement there, and thousands in retirement savings. But there are more underutilised benefits and payments in the system worth mentioning, especially for older Australians. Here are a few to put on your radar (you never know when life might make one of these relevant to you or someone you care about):- Carer Allowance (and Carer Supplement): Many seniors find themselves caring for a spouse or an adult child with a disability or illness. If you provide daily care for someone with significant needs, you might qualify for the Carer Allowance, which is a fortnightly payment around $144 (not means-tested on your income, though there’s an assessment of the care receiver’s needs). It’s not a huge amount, but it helps – and importantly, each July you also get a Carer Supplement of $600 as a lump sum. This is essentially a thank-you bonus for carers. The catch is you must apply for the allowance; it’s not automatic. Many older carers don’t realize they’re eligible, especially if they see caring for a loved one as just “what families do.” But even a modest payment and an annual $600 boost can make a difference – and you’ve earned it by the work you’re doing. If you or someone you know is in this boat, consider looking into it.
- The Work Bonus (for Age Pensioners who work): We often hear about pensions being docked if you earn extra income. While that’s true beyond certain limits, the Work Bonus is a friendly feature that lets Age Pensioners keep more of their pension when they have employment income. Right now, seniors can earn up to $300 per fortnight from work without reducing their pension – and if you don’t use the full $300, it accrues (up to $7,800) as a balance that can offset future earnings. During the recent worker shortages, the government even temporarily raised these amounts. The upshot: if you’ve got a part-time job or are thinking of picking up a few hours at Bunnings or the local library, you might be able to do so without losing any of your pension at first. Many retirees don’t know how generous this is now. It could put extra cash in your pocket and keep you engaged in the workforce a bit longer if you wish.
- Senior Australians Tax Offset (SAPTO): Not a Centrelink payment, but a tax benefit that’s commonly overlooked. SAPTO can reduce the tax you pay on other income (like investments) if you’re a senior of Age Pension age, even if you don’t actually get the pension. It can even lead to a tax refund in some cases. The rules can be a tad complex (it depends on your income and whether you have a spouse), but if you’re doing your taxes (or having an accountant do them), make sure they’re applying SAPTO if you’re eligible. It could save you a tidy sum in the thousands.
- One-off Payments and Rebates: Governments occasionally announce one-off payments – for example, a “Cost of Living Bonus” or emergency payments during crises (like natural disasters or pandemics). These tend to be well-publicised, but it’s easy to tune out news if you think it doesn’t apply to you. Keep an ear out: if you hear “$250 one-off payment for pensioners” or “bonus payment for seniors to help with bills,” make a note to see if you need to do anything to get it. Usually, these are automatic if you’re on a relevant payment, but some programs (like state government rebates for appliance upgrades or home improvements) require applications. As an example, some states have offered seniors rebates for things like energy-efficient air conditioning – great if you own your home and want to save on power in the long run.
- Unclaimed Money Avenues: While not Centrelink benefits, it’s worth noting many Australians have unclaimed money waiting for them from various sources. This could be lost superannuation accounts, old bank accounts, or Medicare refunds. A recent report noted that in 2023, nearly a million Australians had unclaimed Medicare rebates, with an average of $240 owed to each (often simply because they hadn’t updated their bank details for Medicare to send the refund). Imagine – that’s your own money just sitting there until you claim it! It’s a good reminder to do a periodic sweep: use the ATO’s online tools to check for lost super, search the ASIC unclaimed money database for any bank accounts in your name, and ensure your Medicare and Centrelink details are current. You might stumble upon a pleasant surprise.
Why Do So Many Miss Out (and How Not to Be One of Them)
By now, you might be thinking, “This all sounds great, but if these benefits exist, why aren’t more people using them?” It often comes down to awareness and complexity. Life is busy, paperwork is boring, and government rules can read like stereo instructions. Here are a few reasons people miss out – and how you can avoid those pitfalls:- They Don’t Know What They Don’t Know: You can’t claim a benefit if you’ve never heard of it. The system isn’t exactly user-friendly; there’s no single pamphlet that says “Here’s every dollar you can get from us.” (Wouldn’t that be nice?) Instead, information is scattered across websites, and sometimes you only find out by word of mouth – like Alyce hearing about the rego refund from her hairdresser. Solution? Stay curious and informed. Read newsletters or websites aimed at seniors (like Yours Truly writing this, or government update pages). Chat with friends – you’d be surprised how many tips are exchanged over a cup of tea about which council gives what discount. And never hesitate to ask a question on the Centrelink hotline or at a Service Centre – “Is there anything else I might be eligible for?” It costs nothing to ask.
- The “She’ll Be Right” Mentality: Especially among older Australians, there’s a proud tendency to not seek help or to assume “others need it more than me.” That generosity of spirit is commendable, but as one retiree famously learned to his detriment, assuming you won’t qualify can cost you dearly. In one case, a self-funded retiree named Geoff delayed applying for the Age Pension for years, thinking he had too many assets. In reality, he was eligible much earlier and ended up missing out on around $75,000 in payments over three years. He said he “didn’t really know the rules” and it cost him. Don’t be like Geoff – if you’re around pension age, check your eligibility with Centrelink or use an online calculator. Even a part pension is valuable (and comes with that all-important concession card).
- Complicated Rules and Fine Print: Some benefits have conditions that are easy to trip over. For example, to get the FTB Part A supplement we discussed, you must ensure all your kids’ immunisations and health check requirements are up to date (for certain ages) – otherwise the supplement might not be paid. Or consider the energy rebates: you only get them if you proactively inform your utility provider, which not everyone realizes. The onus is often on us to claim things. My advice: take a little time each year (maybe tax time or the New Year) to do a “benefits check-up.” The Department of Human Services (Services Australia) website has a list of payments and a handy tool where you can enter some details to see what you might be eligible for. There are also community legal centres and advocacy groups that offer free advice on entitlements. A few hours of effort could uncover something valuable.
- Fear of Centrelink (or Pride): Let’s face it, dealing with Centrelink can be daunting. Long wait times on the phone, confusing forms, the dread of owing money back if something goes wrong (the robo-debt scandal is fresh in many minds). And for some, there’s a bit of pride in saying “I’ve never taken a cent from the government.” But remember, these benefits are your right. You paid taxes all your life with the expectation of a safety net and support when needed. There’s no shame in claiming what you’re entitled to – you’ve earned it. And Centrelink has improved in some ways: a lot can be done online now, and for most of the things we mentioned, overpayments are not an issue if you provide honest info. If you ever do get more than you should, they’ll send a notice and you can sort it out – but not claiming at all just means you’re gifting the government money that should be helping you.
Image source: Seniors Discount Club
Time to Check Your Wallet – Are You Missing Out on Money?
We’ve covered a lot, from Alyce’s $800 rego refund to the hundreds of dollars in family supplements and the thousands in senior savings. It’s a lot to digest, but it boils down to this: there may be more support available to you than you think. In an era of rising living costs, every bit counts. The government (bless its convoluted heart) has set up these programs to help, but it’s up to each of us to raise our hand and say, “Yes, please, I’ll have what I’m entitled to.”So here’s a gentle challenge and some earnest encouragement: take a moment to reflect on your own situation. Have you been overlooking any benefits? Maybe you’ve dismissed that nagging thought to call Centrelink or check a website. Maybe you assumed you wouldn’t qualify for something mentioned here. Why not double-check? It might be calling the Older Persons line at Centrelink (they do have specialists for seniors), or logging into myGov to use the Payment Finder, or simply asking around in your community.
Best case scenario, you discover an unexpected boost – a nice little surprise in your account or a reduction in your bills. Worst case, you spend a few minutes and find out you’re already on top of everything (in which case, give yourself a pat on the back and maybe help a friend who isn’t).
We’ll end on an encouraging note. Remember Alyce’s words: “There are things out there to help us to make our day-to-day life easier for us.” She’s absolutely right. You’ve worked hard and contributed so much over the years – you deserve every bit of support available. Go on, unlock those hidden perks and make life a little easier. You’ve earned it.
Now, over to you: When was the last time you checked whether you’re receiving all the benefits or discounts you’re eligible for? Could there be a few hundred (or even a few thousand) dollars waiting with your name on it, just for the asking?
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