- Many pensioners and senior citizens have been submitting queries in about whether there are any government subsidises broadband schemes
- Through Centrelink, the Australian Federal Government is currently offering subsidies of of $38.40 every three months to pensioners, for both telephone and internet connections
- Telstra Homeline Plus - $33.95 (Provides low fixed rates and capped STD calls)
In recent times, many pensioners and senior citizens have been submitting queries in about whether there are any government subsidises broadband schemes available to them, and how they can go about getting involved and hooked up to such a plan. The fantastic news for all is that Centrelink does indeed have a ‘Telephone Allowance’package, which allows for a substantial reduction in costs for pensioners who are paying line rental - either for phone services or as part of a broadband package - directly to Telstra.
Through Centrelink, the Australian Federal Government is currently offering subsidies of of $38.40 every three months to pensioners, for both telephone and internet connections. After doing the math, this works out to be just under $13 a month for users, which is truly a fantastic deal by any standards. Do keep in mind that eligibility for this amazing allowance is limited to people are currently on disability, parenting, newstart and sickness pensions.
Providers who lease phone lines are part of their bundles with low cost internet providers are not usually eligible for this rebate, which in all honesty, is understandable in light of the fact that the saving is usually more than $13 a month.
Another critical thing that pensioners should take note of is that a 'bundled' line typically provides a phone service with limited capability. Services such Priority Assist (which is a panic button to press/call during emergencies) or battery backup for phones (which allows continued service during general blackouts) are not available.
For those who put a great deal of importance in these emergency services being made available to you, you may want to look into a full Telstra phone service that will be able to combine the following plans and offers for you instead.
- Telstra Homeline Plus - $33.95 (Provides low fixed rates and capped STD calls)
After the $13 discount = $57.95/$77.95
For customers who are comfortable using a mobile phone for all their needs and primarily only need a line in for a broadband connection, the following options may suit you best.
- TPG basic line rental + 100GB data - $50
- TPG basic line rental + Unlimited data - $60
Although both plans are not eligible for Centrelink allowance, they still can offer you greater savings when compared to most alternatives.
Another thing that should also be pointed out is that the $3840 per quarter allowance is not automatic, and is only provided to customers who have considerable difficulty in paying their internet bills. Even so, many claimants only get a rebate of part of the entitlement.
In order to qualify for the Higher Rate, you will need to be holding either a current Pensioner Concession Card, or a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. You also need to meet certain residency requirements, as well as have both telephone and internet services connected to your home in either your or your partner’s name. Furthermore, you will need to be receiving an income support payment and will have to fall into the rage of pension age, or be receiving either a Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment.
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Feel free to drop us an email or contact us today should you have any queries about Government Assisted Broadband Internet for Pensioners.
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