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Everyone loves a bargain, but once they turn 60 many people forget to grab one of the best deals on offer – their state government’s Seniors Card.
Even if you have not fully retired from the workforce, it’s worth checking to see if you are eligible for a Seniors Card, as in many states the rules allow you to undertake some paid work and still receive a card.
Getting a non-means tested Seniors Card gives you access to valuable concessions on transport costs and discounts from participating businesses for a wide range of goods and services.
To help you make the most of this valuable free scheme, check out SuperGuide’s detailed guide to accessing and using a state Seniors Card.
What benefits are available?
With a state Seniors Card you can access lots of discount offers and this includes generous public transport and government concessions in some states.
The discounts available from participating businesses vary considerably, with many of the benefits related to holidays, travel and hospitality. There are also discounts on everyday items like automotive services, household needs, recreation and professional services.
Although discount offers are available year-round from participating businesses, some states also offer special time limited deals. That means it’s a good idea to regularly check your state’s Seniors Card website for the current deals and offers.
Are you eligible for a state Seniors Card?
The eligibility rules for a Seniors Card are different in each state and territory (and they can change), but the general one to remember is you need to be aged at least 60 to apply for a state Seniors Card.
To work out if you are eligible for a Seniors Card in your state or territory and the benefits on offer, scroll through the comprehensive tables below to find the section covering your state and territory:
- Table 1 lists the eligibility rules
- Table 2 lists the benefits available from state governments and private businesses
You can also click on the links below to go to information on the Seniors Card in your particular state or territory:
- ACT – ACT Seniors Card
- Northern Territory – Seniors Card
- New South Wales – Seniors Card or Seniors Saver Card
- Queensland Seniors Card, Seniors Card+go or Seniors Business Discount Card
- South Australia – Seniors Card
- Tasmania – Seniors Card
- Victoria – Victorian Seniors Card or Seniors Business Discount Card
- Western Australia – Seniors Card
Table 1: Who can apply for a state Seniors Card?
State or Territory |
Am I eligible for my state’s Seniors Card? |
How do I apply for my state’s Seniors Card? |
---|---|---|
Australian Capital Territory |
|
|
Northern Territory |
|
|
NSW |
|
|
NSW Seniors Card:
NSW Seniors Savers Card:
|
||
Queensland |
|
|
Seniors Card or Seniors Card+go:
OR
Seniors Business Discount Card:
|
||
South Australia www.sa.gov.au/topics/family-and-community/seniors/seniors-card |
|
|
Tasmania www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/csr/programs-and-services/seniors_card |
|
|
Victoria
|
|
|
Victorian Seniors Card:
Seniors Business Discount Card:
|
||
Western Australia |
|
|
Note: Information in this table is current as at 1 January 2020
Table 2: What benefits are available with a state Seniors Card?
State or Territory |
What government benefits are available if I hold a Seniors Card? |
What discounts and benefits are available from private businesses? |
---|---|---|
Australian Capital Territory |
|
|
Northern Territory |
|
|
NSW |
NSW Seniors Card holders only Transport concessions
Other NSW Government concessions
NSW Seniors Card and Seniors Saver Card
|
NSW Seniors Card NSW Seniors Saver Card
|
Queensland |
Queensland Seniors Card and Seniors Card+go holders only:
|
Queensland Seniors Card Queensland Seniors Card+go Queensland Seniors Business Discount Card
|
South Australia |
|
|
Tasmania |
|
|
Victoria
|
Victorian Seniors Card holders only:
|
Victorian Seniors Card Victorian Seniors Business Discount Card
|
Victorian Seniors Card and Seniors Business Discount Card holders:
|
||
Western Australia |
Transport concessions:
Other WA Government discounts:
|
|
Eligible to apply for WA Government concessions:
|
Note: Information in this table is current as at 1 January 2020.
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Heading interstate? Take your state Seniors Card
If you’re travelling interstate, it’s well worth taking your state Seniors Card, as most states and territories give interstate seniors concessional public transport fares if they present their Seniors Card. For example, interstate Seniors Card holders visiting the ACT can show their card or apply for an Interstate Seniors MyWay Card to receive similar concession fares to ACT seniors.
Travelling overseas? Pack your Seniors Card
Thanks to a reciprocal agreement with the New Zealand Government, Australian state Seniors Card holders can access discounts from thousands of participating businesses through New Zealand’s SuperGold Card program.
This arrangement does not include state or nationally funded programmes, such as the free off-peak public transport available to New Zealand SuperGold Card holders. For more information, see www.supergold.govt.nz.
It can also be worth taking your Seniors Card if you travel to countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, USA and Canada, as many overseas businesses accept seniors cards if they offer discounted prices to their own seniors.
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