Local member and Assistant Minister for Health David Gillespie said the cards began to be automatically reinstated on Monday, October 9.

It’s expected all those eligible will have their card within the next fortnight, Dr Gillespie said.

He explained the part-pensioners lost the card in January as a consequence of reforms to the pension assets test, which was designed to make the pension system more affordable and sustainable for the future.

“Those reforms provided increased pension for people with lower levels of assets, whilst some part-pensioners with high levels of assets lost access to their part-pensions,” Dr Gillespie said.

“As a consequence, those with higher levels of assets also lost their cards and could no longer access a range of State and local government and private sector benefits, such as discounted council rates and public transport.

“Those expecting a reissued card don’t need to do anything to receive it, it will be sent to them automatically.

“They will also retain the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, which continued to be provided after the January 2017 pension changes.

“This means they will continue to be paid the energy supplement they formerly received with their pension.”

For more information about reinstatement of the pension card, go to www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/news/pensioner-concession-card-reinstatement.

For more information on asset levels, go to www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/enablers/assets.