Approximately 1400 members of the NT Seniors Recognition Scheme have been issued a new prepaid card, giving them greater flexibility and choice on how to spend their $500 annual payment.
The prepaid cards help senior Territorians with the cost of travel, accommodation, electricity, water and fuel.
The Territory Labor Government introduced the new prepaid card last year. The cards will replace the paper travel vouchers, allows senior Territorians to have immediate access to their annual payment and removes the need for reimbursement.
The new prepaid cards will be provided to all eligible NT Seniors Recognition Scheme members from July 2020, but members with unused and valid vouchers have the option of switching to the new cards before 31 May.
The new cards also benefits Territory businesses. Businesses with an EFTPOS terminal registered in an approved merchant category including travel, accommodation and fuel services can accept the prepaid cards now.
The Territory Labor Government delivered a key election promise in 2018 when it reformed the former NT Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme, and created two new schemes. The NT Concession Scheme helps support people on long-term income support and the NT Seniors Recognition Scheme was created to acknowledge the contribution of all senior Territorians 65 years and over.
