Extra $50 for NT seniors prepaid card slated for May budget

With cost of living and crime set to be key items in the upcoming May budget, government sources have hinted more money will be added to the NT seniors prepaid card scheme.

Older Territorians will receive $550 on their prepaid seniors card from July.

Older Territorians will see more money on their seniors card from July, with an expansion to the benefits scheme expected to be announced in the upcoming budget, according to government sources.

It is understood that under the Northern Territory Seniors Recognition Scheme, residents over 65 will receive an extra $50 on the $500 prepaid cards handed out each financial year.

Cost of living and crime will be key issues at the August election, and are expected to be a focus of the 2024-2025 NT budget to be handed down in May.

A senior Labor insider said cost of living was a focus for the Chief Minister.

“She knows people are doing it tough, particularly older Territorians, who have done so much to build the NT of today,” they said.

“The budget will deliver cost of living relief for Territorians.

“This extra $50 on the seniors prepaid card will go some way to show how much we value the contribution older Territorians have made to our community.”

The $550 card can be spent how users choose, in one or multiple transactions.

The prepaid card is not means tested, and cost $7.5 million in the last budget.