Your simple guide to the ACT Seniors Card: How it can save you money

Everyone loves a bargain, but many older people in the ACT forget to grab one of the best deals on offer – the ACT 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 your state Seniors Card.

What benefits are available?

With an ACT 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 the ACT Seniors Card website for the current deals and offers.

Guide to your Australian Capital Territory Seniors Card – rules and benefits

www.actseniorscard.org.au 

Who can apply for an ACT Seniors Card?

• Aged 62 or over (From July 2020, the eligibility age is being lowered to 60.)
• Permanent ACT resident
• Work less than 20 hours per week in paid employment

How do you apply for an ACT Seniors Card?

• Apply at ACT Government Access Canberra Service Centres, public libraries, COTA ACT and Hughes Community Centre
• Proof of age and residency required

What government benefits are available with an ACT Seniors Card?

• Discount (10%) on private motor vehicle registration (28% discount for gas or electric powered vehicles)
• Concession fares on Transport Canberra bus and light rail services
• Free travel if aged 70 or over
• Link to non-expiring NSW Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card allowing travel concession fares in NSW

What discounts can you get with an ACT Seniors Card?

• Over 300 participating businesses
• Download directory or get printed copy from ACT Government Access Canberra Service Centres, public libraries or COTA
• Online search: www.actseniorscard.org.au/discount-directory

Heading interstate? Take your ACT Seniors Card

If you’re travelling interstate, it’s well worth taking your ACT Seniors Card, as most states and territories give interstate seniors concessional public transport fares if they present their Seniors Card.

Travelling overseas? Pack your ACT 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.

For information about other benefits in retirement, in particular, the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC), see SuperGuide articles:

• Commonwealth Seniors Health Card: What it is and how to apply
• What concession cards are available for Seniors and Pensioners?