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Claiming a Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme Rebate in Exceptional Circumstances:

What is meant by exceptional circumstances?

A Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme rebate may be paid to eligible passengers in exceptional circumstances when they are not able to travel by sea on the same vessel as their vehicle, providing that they travel with a commercial airline on or around the same day their vehicle is transported by sea.

Exceptional circumstances may include:

• a medical condition which prevents an eligible passenger from accompanying his/her vehicle by sea
• cancellation or temporary suspension of a ferry service due to mechanical failure or for maintenance purposes.

Note: exceptional circumstances do not apply to King Island travellers who are routinely unable to travel with their vehicles on the current shipping service. For information about King Island travel, go to Rebates for Travel between King Island and Mainland Australia.

How do I claim a rebate in exceptional circumstances?

To be eligible for a rebate in the above circumstances you must comply with the requirements listed below.

If you cannot accompany your vehicle by sea due to a medical condition, you will get the rebate as a direct reduction in the vehicle fare by providing the following documentation to the ferry service operator:

• a copy of a medical certificate, substantiating your medical condition
• flight booking details, including the flight number and date for each flight.

If you cannot accompany your vehicle by sea due to the cancellation or suspension of ferry services, you may claim the rebate directly from Centrelink by providing the following information:

• a written statement demonstrating that the circumstances surrounding your need to fly could not have been foreseen and/or that travel at this time was unavoidable
• a copy of the shipping line's consignment note for your vehicle
• a copy of your airline ticket or boarding pass for each flight
• your postal address and bank details for payment of the rebate.

Your claim should be addressed to:

The Manager
Tasmanian Assistance Services
GPO Box 1269
HOBART 7001