Western Australian Gold Card concessions: the full list for veterans

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A Veteran Gold Card opens up more than DVA-funded treatment. If you live in Western Australia, there are state concessions that can cut the cost of public transport, vehicle licensing, council rates and energy. WA has one of the most generous transport concessions in the country, but some of the best vehicle and household concessions are tied to a TPI or EDA assessment. Here is what actually applies in WA, who qualifies, and how to claim it.

Public transport: free travel on Transperth

This is where WA stands out. The Veterans SmartRider is one of the best public transport concessions available to veterans anywhere in Australia:

  • Veterans SmartRider: free travel at all times on all Transperth buses, trains and ferries, for eligible Gold Card holders receiving a qualifying DVA pension.
  • Companion SmartRider: available for veterans who need attendant care, so a companion can travel with you.
  • Regional Transwa services: up to two free return journeys (or four single journeys) per calendar year, plus 50% off standard fares.

You need to apply for the Veterans SmartRider rather than use a standard card. Apply through Transperth on 13 62 13, forms are available online or at the Elizabeth Quay InfoCentre.

Vehicle licensing and stamp duty

WA’s top vehicle concessions are tied to the higher assessments. TPI or EDA holders, and veterans assessed at 60 or more impairment points under MRCA, are generally eligible for:

  • Vehicle licence fees: a 100% exemption on licence (registration) fees for one vehicle.
  • Stamp duty: exemption from stamp duty on vehicle transfers.

You apply using Form C1 at a Driver and Vehicle Services centre. Because these concessions turn on a TPI, EDA or 60-point assessment, the difference between a standard Gold Card and the right assessment can be worth a great deal.

Council rates and the Emergency Services Levy

  • Council rates: a rebate of up to 50% of council rates, capped at around $750 a year, available in many local government areas.
  • Emergency Services Levy (ESL): a 50% rebate on the ESL that appears on your rates notice, a WA-specific concession worth claiming.

Energy and household concessions

WA offers energy support to Gold Card holders, including the Energy Assistance Payment, which provides electricity cost relief. Water and sewerage concessions and other household support may also be available depending on your circumstances. Amounts and eligibility are set by the WA Government and providers and change from time to time, so confirm the current position when you apply.

A couple of things worth knowing

  • Concessions are based on where you live. If you live in WA, WA concessions apply regardless of where you served.
  • The transport concession is one of the few strong ones open to standard Gold Card holders. Most of the vehicle and some household concessions need a TPI, EDA or 60-point assessment.
  • You apply to each provider separately, Transperth for the SmartRider, Driver and Vehicle Services for licensing, and your local government for rates.

Not sure you have the right assessment?

If you hold a Gold Card but are not TPI or EDA, you may be missing the vehicle and household concessions, and reaching those assessments comes down to how your permanent impairment has been assessed. That is claim work, and it is exactly what we do. Our card and claim eligibility check below is a quick way to see where you might stand.

DVA Cards

Which DVA card could you be eligible for?

Answer a few quick questions and we will point you to the card that most likely fits. This is a guide only, not a determination.

This is a general eligibility guide only and not a determination by the Department of Veterans' Affairs. It does not constitute legal, financial or medical advice. Book a free consultation for a personalised assessment.

How KSC Law can help

KSC Law was founded by veterans who have lived the system. If your Gold Card is not delivering the concessions you expected, the answer is often in your assessment. Our expert team can review where your impairment sits, whether a TPI or EDA assessment is within reach, and run the claim to get you there.

The first conversation is free and there is no obligation. Call us on 07 2112 4752 or book a consultation.

This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Concession eligibility and amounts are set by the WA Government and service providers and can change. Confirm current details when you apply.