Travel concessions for jobseekers

Eligibility

Half fare jobseeker concessions are available to unemployed persons residing in NSW when in receipt of one of the following Commonwealth benefits at the maximum rate:

• Unemployment Benefits where the beneficiary must be registered as looking for work:
  • Youth Allowance (jobseeking)
  • Newstart Allowance
  • Parenting (Partnered)
  • Partner Allowance
  • Widow Allowance
  • Exceptional Circumstances Relief Payment
• Other temporary benefits/programs:
  • Sickness Allowance
  • Special Benefit
  • Newstart Allowance Incapacitated
  • Community Support Program
  • Job Placement, Employment and Training scheme.

Concession fares

Half fare concessions on single and return fares and MyBus TravelTens on all regulated services, except premium, tourist, charter and special events services.

Concession fares under MyZone

Under MyZone concession entitlements remain the same or similar to previous arrangements, although some ticket products or prices may have changed. From 1 July 2011, the MyMulti tickets, the Pensioner Excursion Ticket and Family Funday Sunday have been available for use on light rail. These tickets are not sold on light rail and must be purchased before boarding. See the Buying Tickets page . Entitlements and ticket products will remain the same on services not covered by the MyZone structure, such as private ferries, monorail and CountryLink services.

For more information, see MyZone .

Entitlements

Rail

Bus

Ferry

Light Rail

Monorail

1. Not covered under MyZone, with a few exceptions (see MyZone ). Private bus operators may offer other ticket products at discounted or concession rates. Check with the operator before travelling.
2. The fast ferry services operating between Manly and Circular Quay, light rail and Monorail services are privately owned and operated services. Any concession benefits or discounted tickets are provided by the operators of these services at their discretion. Check with the operator before travelling. However, as indicated from 1 July 2011, MyMulti, Family Funday Sunday and PET have been available for use on light rail.
3. Most contracted private ferry services recognise the standard concession entitlements but may have different arrangements, based on their existing contractual obligations. Check with the operator before travelling. Private ferry operators may also offer other ticket products at discounted or concession rates. For more information, contact the operator.

Proof of eligibility

Jobseekers must have a valid NSW Half Fare Entitlement Card for jobseekers concession card. They must show their concession card when purchasing concession fares and carry it at all times when travelling using a concession ticket. Jobseekers must produce their card when requested to do so by a transport officer to verify entitlement to concession fares.

Jobseeker card

How to apply

The NSW Half Fare Entitlement Card for jobseekers is issued by Centrelink on behalf of Transport for NSW.

Applications are made in person to a Centrelink Office where the customer service officer will do a computer check of the applicant's eligibility and either:

• Issue a card immediately to an eligible applicants, or
• Provide ineligible applicants with a letter, which gives the reason why the applicant was assessed as ineligible. Further questions surrounding an applicant’s circumstances and reasons for ineligibilty should be addressed to Centrelink.

One replacement card may be issued during the three-month period of the card's validity. Applications for replacement cards are also made in person to Centrelink.

For more information regarding jobseeker benefits and contact details for Centrelink offices, please visit Centrelink .

How long the jobseeker card can be used

The jobseeker card is valid for 3 months. On expiry, card holders will need to re-apply at a Centrelink office and be re-assessed for ongoing eligibility.

Fees

No fees apply for the issue of a card or a replacement card.