daunted

Today in the post i recieved a CentreLink Health Care Card that offers conccessions etc. WHATS that all about?? Do i need to keep it? what do i use it for? am i even supposed to have it in the first place??

Dorothy

It's for people who earn under a certain amount. You use it at the pharmacy. Give Centrelink a dingle, though. I'm not sure what other things you get from it.

daunted

thanks dorothy - i will call them i arrived not expecting any financial assistance so it i am thinking it is a balls up - will ring them

hevs

You can use it at the pharmacy, prescriptions will cost you $4.95

You will also get around $85 per year off car ego.
Also phone your utilites and you get a couple of bucks a month off
Oh and school fees, you will be entitled to the EMA grant and won't be out of pocket for public school fees.

Also SOME places will accept it as a concession card, cinemas etc.

daunted

I dont understand?? why do i get this? i didnt think i got anything for 2 years? that is what i came here expecting!

Mumfords

you can use it on public transport too, a couple of bucks off the fares

Ann

moneypenny20

Why 2 years? Do you not have PR? If you're PR you're entitled to everything immediately. I can't remember what you came over on, sorry.

hevs

We had to wait for two years. Think it depends on visa type. We had PR but a 139, so not sure. We will have to give ours back in 12 weeks if all goes well

moneypenny20

OK sorry, I thought PR was PR, didn't realise there were different levels. Hope Matt's job's going well. Great news that you're getting back to normal (normal normal not Garrett normal)

Bobcat

I put a good word in for you........................

hevs

Apology accepted

First pay in the bank today They paid him a week in advance, I was wrapped till I wondered if it was severance pay. I'm so cynical these days..... wonder why?

Wendy

It's mostly things like dole that you can't claim for two years. You can get family tax benefit, rent assistance, childcare cost help and the medicare concessions if you are earn under a certain amount of money.

You can also get the Baby Bonus if you have more kids.

You'll find lots of info on here: www.centerlink.com.au

esperanza

I am PR and also thought I couldn't claim anything for 2 years, although I did know I got ordinary medicare. These cards sound good though... how much do you have to be earning below, does anyone know?
Plan to quit job and be a student soon (fingers crossed) would be grand if I could get some sort of freebie card! (not that I'm a free loader, but hey if it's out there then why not? I've paid my taxes!)

daunted

Thanks everyone - I am off work at the end of the week so will go speak to them about it. i came on 136 so yes PR status Well i guess all will be clearer when i spoken to them. To be honest I dont like the idea of having it i came here expecting to go it alone and feel a bit like a loser for even havin it sent. I am working.

Timber Floor Au

With the time off , could you fix your avatar title please.

I keep thinking im reading latin !!!!!