Territorians on the NT Seniors Recognition Scheme will now have more flexibility and choice with the introduction of a new VISA debit card that will replace the existing paper travel vouchers.
The card will make it easier for seniors to access their $500 payment which can be used towards travel (including online travel bookings), accommodation, electricity, and water. The card will reduce the burden for seniors and allows immediate access to the payment and removes the need for reimbursement.
For the very first time, the payment can now also be used towards the cost of fuel, which will assist senior Territorians who drive.
The debit card will be provided to all NT Seniors Recognition Scheme members from July 2020, but members with a valid and unused travel voucher can apply later in 2019 to change their voucher to a card.
The debit card will look and operate like a regular VISA card and it will be PIN protected. Members cannot withdraw cash.
The new debit card will be easier to manage administratively and it will deliver greater efficiencies for members, businesses and Government, as well as help prevent fraud and rorting of the scheme.
The Territory Government introduced the NT Seniors Recognition Scheme in 2018 to acknowledge the contribution of all senior Territorians 65 years and over, and delivered a key election commitment.
Source: NT Government