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ACT Concessions Guide
Concessions for pensioners and concession card holders in the Australian Capital Territory
The ACT Government provides generous concessions for Canberra residents holding concession cards. A key feature of the ACT system is the Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate — one of the most valuable utility concessions in Australia at a generous annual rebate level. Most concessions are managed through the ACT Revenue Office or Access Canberra.
1. Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate
- Benefit (2025–26)Annual rebate for electricity, gas and water combined
- Summer rateLower daily rate (1 Nov – 31 May)
- Winter rateHigher daily rate (1 Jun – 31 Oct)
- CoversElectricity, natural gas, water and sewerage
- How it worksApplied as daily credits on your electricity bill
- How to applyApply through your electricity retailer (e.g. ActewAGL) or ACT Revenue Office
⚠️ HCC Holders — Re-apply Each Time
If you hold a Low Income Health Care Card or Health Care Card, you must make a new application each time a new card is issued. PCC holders and DVA Gold Card holders have ongoing eligibility once approved.
2. Rates Rebate
- Rates rebateCapped annual rebate off your rates
- Fire & Emergency LevyRebate on the Police, Fire and Emergency Services Levy
- Rates deferralCan arrange to pay all or part of rates later
- Age 65+If you own 75%+ of your home, you can defer rate payments entirely
- How to applyApply through the ACT Revenue Office
3. Motor Vehicle Registration
- PCC holdersNo registration costs (registration fee waived entirely)
- Seniors Card10% discount on car registration
- HCC holdersReduced registration and licence fees
- LimitOne light vehicle or light trailer per cardholder
- NoteMAI insurance premium must still be paid in full
- First-time claimComplete a Concession Validation Consent Form at Access Canberra
ℹ️ Free Registration for PCC Holders
The ACT is one of the most generous jurisdictions for vehicle registration — PCC holders pay no registration fee at all. Only the compulsory Motor Accident Injuries (MAI) insurance premium must be paid.
4. Public Transport
- Age 70+Free travel at all times on buses and light rail
- PCC/HCC/DVAFree off-peak travel (9am–4:30pm & after 6pm weekdays, all weekend/holidays)
- Seniors CardFree off-peak travel (same times as above)
- CoversTransport Canberra buses and light rail services
- RequirementCarry proof of concession when travelling
5. Ambulance
- BenefitFree ambulance services within the ACT
- EligibilityAged pension and health care concession cardholders
6. Other ACT Concessions
Additional concessions available to eligible ACT residents:
- Pensioner Duty Concession — reduced conveyancing (stamp) duty when downsizing to a new home
- Waste bin assistance — help with wheeling rubbish/recycling bins if you are unable to do so
- Life Support Rebate — Annual rebate for households using approved life support equipment
- Spectacles subsidy — subsidised glasses through approved providers
- Sustainable Household Scheme — interest-free loans for energy-efficient upgrades
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Last reviewed: February 2026