Concession/seniors cards for 143 permanent Parent visa holders ???

[mcgkerry]

Hi all.

 

My first post.. .Hope i do this right.

 

My questions is ...if anyone on this visa has managed to get a concession or seniors card through Centrelink to help with Prescription costs etc? How long did you have to wait ? and is there any other way to try and get reductions for my parents for medications/ dental costs etc ?

 

I have also heard some people have been claiming some kind of benefit from Centrelink before the 10 year waiting period and stopping their claim just before the AOS amount (aprox 14K a couple) has been drained....so they essentially access the AOS money before the 10 years ....seems a bit strange but what are your experiences please ?

 

Thanks :-)

 

K

[Bridgeman]

Hi

Your parents will need to have been permanent residents for 2 years and be over 65 to get the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. It is also means tested. You can find all the details here:

 

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/commonwealth-seniors-health-card

[mcgkerry]

Hi Bridgeman. I thought it may be the case but was hoping the fact they have already had 2 1/2 years here on the Temp 173 visa waiting to transfer to the Perm 143 visa it may have allowed them 'time off' as it were from another 2 years :-(

 

Cheers :-)

[Bridgeman]

No unfortunately it doesn't. However, you might be interested to know that they will count the time spent on the temporary visa towards the 4 years needed for citizenship so that' a bonus.