NT Government rebates and discounts that can save money

There are lots of rebates and discounts Territorians can get right now to save thousands of dollars. See the full list on how you can save on day-to-day expenses.

As cost of living pressures bite, Territorians can make their money stretch further with support the state government.

A host of rebates and concessions are available to help cover the cost of utilities, council rates, vehicle registration and educational costs – to name a few.

These savings could add up to hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, for people who are eligible.

See the list below for how you can save on day-to-day living expenses.

NORTHERN TERRITORY CONCESSION SCHEME (NTCS)

For eligible residents, the NTCS provides support for a range of living expenses but application is required.

Northern Territory Seniors Recognition Scheme members get a $500 prepaid card every financial year to spend as they choose. Conditions apply.

ENERGY & UTILITIES

Residents who are members of the NTCS can get up to $1200 to help pay for electricity bills.

If eligible, they can also claim up to $800 a year for water and sewerage costs.

Territorians could up to $1200 to help pay for electricity bills. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

HOUSING

Public housing tenants may be able to get a rental rebate based on the household’s income. For tenancies that started after October 1, 2018, rent will be calculated as 25 per cent of household income.

NTCS members who own their own home can get up to $200 a year off council rates and $150 for rubbish removal, depending on where they live.

Homeowners living in remote communities can apply for a grant of up to $20,000 to improve the home on fixtures such as sola panels, fencing, gardens. You can also use up to $10,000 to buy furniture or white goods.

Interest-free loans to help cover private rental bonds are available for eligible people.

Low income earners may be able to apply for an interest-free loan to pay for private rental bond, which is up to four weeks rent, and an option for two weeks rent in advance. Repayments must be at least $10 a week and the length of the agreement is no more than 18 months.

First homeowners may be eligible for a $10,000 grant to buy or build a new home, and may be able to access low deposit home loans through the HomeBuild Access, depending on the value of the property.

First homeowners may also get up to $2000 to buy household goods for the new home. Conditions apply.

HEALTH

NTCS members who have a medical condition can apply for a $154 allowance if they exceed the standard electricity household concession cap of $1200 a year.

NTCS members and their dependants under the age of 16 can receive up to $502.20 every two years for prescription glasses or contact lenses.

NT children who are attending school are entitled to free public dental services.

EDUCATION

Parents of children in childcare receive a subsidy, up to $30 a week for a full time place, depending on the age of the child. This money is paid directly to the care provider.

Children living in NT urban areas could get two $100 sport vouchers or learn to swim vouchers a year. Parents or carers can apply through GrantsNT. There is a similar offering for remote students but it is administered through the Department of Communities.

Children living in the NT could get $100 vouchers to help with paying for sports.

Parents and carers can get $150 for each child enrolled in school for goods and services in term 1, such as text books, school uniforms or school camps.

There are a range of subsidies available to help support isolated and remote students, such as transport or boarding. Subsidies on offer depend on the family’s circumstances.

TRANSPORT

Drivers can get a free NT licence renewal and up to $154 a year towards vehicle registration, if they are NTCS members. For those aged over 60, they may also be eligible for a further discount on registration.

People with electric vehicles may be able to get a discount of up to $1500 on the stamp duty for eligible EVs valued up to $50,000.

NT drivers may be able to get a free licence renewal.

People with a permanent disability may be eligible for the Transport Subsidy Scheme, which covers 50 per cent of the total taxi fare. They may also be able to get the Lift Incentive Scheme, which provides $20 to the driver. Limits apply and people must apply to get a smartcard to use the scheme.

For those who travel a long distance to see an approved medical specialist, the Patient Assistance Travel Scheme may help cover some costs. The scheme covers up to $60 a night for accommodations, if required, up to $50 for bus or taxi fares, and 20 cents/km if they needed to drive more than 200km for the appointment. Conditions apply.

OTHER SUPPORT

Various energy and telecommunications providers have concessions available for eligible customers, as well as flexible payment options for those experiencing financial hardship.

For example, Telstra offers eligible concession cardholders a $16 a month discount on one of its mobile plans.

Energy providers can help facilitate eligible customers receiving the rebates and offers from the relevant governments. Contact your provider to see what support is available for you.

Originally published as NT Government rebates and discounts that can save money