In this guide
- National services
- New South Wales (NSW) services
- Victoria (VIC) services
- Queensland (QLD) services
- Western Australia (WA) services
- South Australia (SA) services
- Tasmania (TAS) services
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT) services
- Northern Territory (NT) services
- The bottom line
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If you’ve retired or are planning to do so soon, it’s worth taking some time to check out the wide range of services, concessions and discounts available for older Australians.
Travel concessions, discounts on your household bills, aged care information and free advocacy services on issues facing older Australians are just some of the things on offer.
Many of these services are available nationally, while others depend on the state or territory where you live.
National services
The Australian Government’s online portal for older Australians has links to a wide range of payments and services.
You can find direct links to national services below, including:
- My Aged Care, which helps you find aged care services and arrange assessments for home care through the Support at Home Program
- Information about free vaccines available to older Australians via the Department of Health
- Services Australia’s Financial Information Service, which can help you make decisions about managing your finances in retirement.
While the following services are not government-run, they are independent and, in some states and territories, provide services on behalf of the government.
- The not-for-profit COTA provides information and advocacy services for older Australians in areas such as aged care, retirement income and elder abuse. Go to the homepage for links to COTA branches in all states and territories.
- National Seniors Australia is another independent information and advocacy group for older Australians, offering member discounts on a wide range of products and services. It has branches in all states and territories.
New South Wales (NSW) services
Service NSW provides a range of services and discounts, including:
- Automatic vehicle registration renewal for pensioners
- Issuing Seniors Cards that provide benefits to those aged 60 and over living in NSW, including discounted rates on public transport, hospital parking, electricity, gas, water and taxis, as well as certain goods and services offered by participating businesses.
- A concessions and rebates finder to help you assess your eligibility for government rebates and savings, as well as Centrelink payments and services
Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline
This free service provides information, support and referrals relating to the potential abuse, neglect or exploitation of older people living in NSW. Anyone can contact the helpline anonymously.
Victoria (VIC) services
The Victorian State Government provides a range of health and social support services for older Victorians, including:
- Concessions on council rates, public transport fares, healthcare costs, energy and phone bills, via a Seniors Card
- Ageing and aged care programs
- Palliative care programs.
Seniors Rights Victoria
Seniors Rights Victoria provides information, support, advice and education to help prevent elder abuse and safeguard the rights, dignity and independence of older Victorians.
Queensland (QLD) services
The Queensland Government provides a range of services and benefits for older Queenslanders, including:
Manage your retirement savings with confidence – for free
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Find out more- Home support and housing
- Public transport and other concessions via a Seniors Card
- Transport assistance
- A free legal support service for older people who have been mistreated or taken advantage of financially.
Elder Abuse Prevention Unit
This Elder Abuse Prevention Unit promotes the right of older people to live free from abuse.
Western Australia (WA) services
The Western Australian Government provides a range of services for older residents, including:
- Help in finding aged care
- Support services
- Benefits and concessions via a WA Seniors Card.
Advocare
Advocare is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that provides a range of free advocacy and information services for seniors, their families and carers.
South Australia (SA) services
The South Australian Government provides a range of services for older residents and programs for ageing well, including:
- Aged care and retirement housing
- Help at home
- Concessions and benefits via a Seniors Card
- Legal assistance.
South Australian Elder Abuse Prevention Phone Line
This confidential state-wide service accepts anonymous calls related to potential cases of elder abuse, with information, advice and support.
Tasmania (TAS) services
The Tasmanian Government provides a range of services and information for older Tasmanians, including access to local benefits and concessions via its Seniors Card.
Tasmanian Elder Abuse Helpline
The Tasmanian Elder Abuse Service and Helpline provides referrals, information and support in relation to potential cases of elder abuse in Tasmania.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) services
The ACT Government provides a range of services for older Canberran Australians in the ACT, including:
- Discounts and concessions
- Advocacy and support services
- Transport and mobility
- Housing and accommodation
- Healthcare
- Recreational services and clubs
The ACT Seniors Card also enables holders to access a range of benefits and concessions.
Older Persons ACT Legal Service (OPALS)
OPALS provides legal assistance to older Canberrans on matters such as setting up an enduring power of attorney, as well as guardianship and financial arrangements with family members. It also provides information on the National Elder Abuse Hotline.
Northern Territory (NT) services
The Northern Territory Government provides a range of aged care services for older Territorians.
In addition, it issues a Seniors Card that entitles the holder to various benefits and concessions provided by the government and participating businesses.
Manage your retirement savings with confidence – for free
Get practical guidance from independent experts to help you make the most of your finances in retirement with a free SuperGuide account.
Find out moreElder Abuse Information Line
COTA NT runs a confidential phone information line on behalf of the NT Government with referrals for Territorians concerned about potential cases of elder abuse.
The bottom line
A range of services, benefits and concessions are available to older Australians, so don’t be shy. Contact the relevant government departments, agencies and not-for-profit organisations in your state or territory to ensure you’re taking full advantage of all your entitlements.
The information contained in this article is general in nature.
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