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Northern Territory Concessions Guide
Concessions for pensioners and concession card holders in the NT
The Northern Territory has a unique concessions system built around two key programs: the NT Concession Scheme (NTCS) for means-tested benefit recipients, and the NT Seniors Recognition Scheme (NTSRS) for all NT seniors aged 60+. Most concessions are administered by the NT Concession and Recognition Unit within Territory Families and through Power and Water Corporation.
1. The NT Concession Scheme (NTCS)
ℹ️ How the NTCS Works
The NT Concession Scheme (formerly the Pensioner and Carer Concession Scheme) is a means-tested scheme providing concessions on essential services. To be eligible you must live in the NT for at least 183 days per year, be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and receive an eligible Centrelink payment (Aged Pension, DSP, Carer Payment, etc.) or hold an eligible DVA card.
You must also have a cost of living expense in the relevant category to receive each concession — for example, you need an electricity account to receive the electricity concession.
2. Electricity Concession
- BenefitAnnual rebate on electricity charges (rate set by NT Government)
- How it worksCredited to your Power and Water account
- RequirementElectricity account at principal place of residence
- How to applyRegister with Power and Water Corporation using NTCS membership
ℹ️ Federal Energy Bill Relief
The Australian Government Energy Bill Relief Fund provides energy bill credits to all NT households each financial year — no concession card required. This is applied automatically to your electricity bill.
3. Water and Sewerage
- BenefitConcession on water and sewerage charges
- AdministratorPower and Water Corporation
- RequirementMust be NTCS member with water account at principal residence
4. Council Rates and Garbage
- BenefitConcession on local government rates and garbage charges
- RequirementMust be NTCS member and property owner/occupier
- How to applyContact your local council with your NTCS membership details
5. Motor Vehicle Registration
- NTCS membersConcession on motor vehicle registration
- NTCS membersConcession on NT Driver Licence fees
- Seniors Card$55 discount on annual registration of a private vehicle
- LimitOne vehicle per cardholder
6. Public Transport
- Seniors CardFree travel on public bus networks in Darwin and Alice Springs
- PCC holdersConcession fares on public transport
- NoteNT has limited public transport compared to larger states
7. NT Seniors Card & Recognition Scheme
- EligibilityAll permanent NT residents aged 60 or older
- BenefitsDiscounts at participating businesses in NT and interstate
- TransportFree bus travel in Darwin and Alice Springs
- Registration$55 discount on annual vehicle registration
- NTSRSPrepaid card with additional benefits (check current program details)
- AdministratorCOTA NT: 1800 441 489 or ntseniorscard.org.au
8. Other NT Concessions
Additional concessions available through the NT Concession Scheme:
- Spectacles — subsidised spectacles every two years through approved providers
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) — lower prescription costs for PCC holders (concessional rate per script)
- Hearing services — free hearing assessments and devices through the Office of Hearing Services
- Australia Post — 40% discount on postage stamps
- Telstra — discounts on connection and home phone plans for PCC holders
⚠️ NT Residency Requirement
Unlike most other states, the NT Concession Scheme requires you to live in the Northern Territory for at least 183 days (6 months) per year. If you spend extended periods interstate, you may lose NTCS eligibility. The standard Commonwealth concession cards (PCC, HCC) still entitle you to federal concessions like PBS regardless.
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Last reviewed: February 2026