Attention, NSW drivers! Are you aware that a treasure trove of $140 million in road toll rebates is just waiting to be claimed? It’s true – and it’s time to get your share of the pie. With the cost of living on the rise, every bit of financial relief is a welcome boon, and the NSW government’s toll rebate scheme is a golden opportunity to ease the burden on your wallet.
Introduced a year ago, the $60 weekly toll cap is a lifeline for motorists who regularly traverse Sydney’s extensive toll road network. If you’re spending over $60 a week on tolls, you’re eligible to claim back up to $340 each week as a rebate. This initiative is not just about saving money; it’s about providing critical support to those who rely on these roads for their daily commutes and family responsibilities.
Despite the scheme’s potential to put money back into the pockets of drivers, a staggering $140 million remains unclaimed. To date, $75 million has been returned to motorists, but with more than $215 million originally available, it’s clear that hundreds of thousands of drivers are yet to take advantage of this offer. On average, each claim has put $277 back into the hands of drivers – a significant sum that can make a real difference in managing household expenses.
Roads Minister John Graham has made a call to action, urging motorists to visit the Service NSW website and claim the relief they’re entitled to. The toll relief scheme was designed with the suburbs in mind, particularly those where tolls are a necessary expense and public transport options fall short. Suburbs like Blacktown, Baulkham Hills, Auburn, Merrylands, and Marsden Park have already seen claims in the millions, and in 115 suburbs, the average claim exceeds $300.
How do you go about claiming your toll rebate? It’s simpler than you might think. If you’ve spent more than $60 a week on tolls since January 1, 2024, you’re eligible to claim. Rebates are calculated and claimed quarterly, with claims currently open for periods between January 1 and December 29, 2024. Don’t delay – you have until June 30, 2025, to claim your 2024 toll expenses. Once approved, you can expect to see the payment within 10 to 15 business days.
Customer Service and Digital Government Minister Jihad Dib emphasises that these rebates are designed to put money back into people’s pockets when they need it most. The claim process is streamlined and user-friendly on the Service NSW website, but if you need assistance, Service NSW Centres are ready to help in person or via phone.
But wait, there’s more! Aussie drivers can still claim a 40 per cent rebate for toll expenses incurred in the 2023-24 financial year. This scheme is being phased out in favour of the $60 weekly cap, so it’s crucial to get your claims in promptly. You could claim up to $802 if you spent over $402 on tolls during that period, with claims closing on June 30, 2025.
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. It’s time to take action and claim what’s rightfully yours. Visit the Service NSW website today, follow the simple steps, and start seeing the benefits of the toll rebate scheme. Remember, every dollar saved is a dollar earned – and in these challenging times, every dollar counts.
What would you do with the extra cash from your rebate? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Also read: Medicare now covers just half of specialist fees and experts warn rebates are ‘almost meaningless’