NT seniors can access a $500 annual payment.

About 1400 members of the NT Seniors Recognition Scheme have been issued a new prepaid card, giving them greater flexibility and choice on how to spend their $500 annual payment.

The prepaid cards help senior Territorians with the cost of travel, accommodation, electricity, water and fuel.

The Government introduced the new prepaid card last year.

The cards will replace the paper travel vouchers, allows senior Territorians to have immediate access to their annual payment and removes the need for reimbursement.

The new prepaid cards will be provided to all eligible NT Seniors Recognition Scheme members from July 2020, but members with unused and valid vouchers have the option of switching to the new cards before May 31.

The new cards also benefits Territory businesses. Businesses with an EFTPOS terminal registered in an approved merchant category including travel, accommodation and fuel services can accept the prepaid cards now.

The NT Concession Scheme helps support people on long-term income support and the NT Seniors Recognition Scheme was created to acknowledge the contribution of all senior Territorians 65 years and over.

For more information, visit https://ntconcessions.nt.gov.au

Territory Families Minister Dale Wakefield said: "We value our senior Territorians and their vital role in our families and community, as well as their contribution to our economy.

"We have delivered for senior Territorians the most generous scheme in the country and we have gone beyond fulfilling our election promise by providing seniors with $500 every year that can be used towards the cost of travel, accommodation, fuel, electricity and water.

"We have fixed the mess that the CLP left behind. Under their system, the scheme was open to exploitation, some people were getting more than their fair share, and thousands of seniors were excluded from the scheme.

"The new prepaid card is a win for senior Territorians and businesses in this program, as it eases administrative burdens and ensures that we are delivering a scheme that is robust and guards against fraud and rorting."

Council on the Ageing NT (COTA NT) CEO, Sue Shearer said: "COTA NT has only received positive feedback from seniors regarding the changes to the NT Seniors Recognition Scheme and the pre-paid card. Seniors want choices, and this new initiative provides just this."

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