QLD Seniors Card: Benefits, discounts and how to apply

Everyone loves a bargain, but once they get older many Queenslanders forget to grab one of the best deals on offer – the free Queensland Seniors Card, Seniors Card+go or Seniors Business Discount Card (SBDC).

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 the rules in many states allow you to undertake some paid work and still receive a discount 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 Queensland Seniors Card.

What benefits are available?

With a Queensland Seniors Card you can access many discount offers on goods and services you purchase, plus generous public transport concessions and reductions on some government fees and charges.

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 offers are special time-limited deals. That means it’s a good idea to regularly check the Queensland Seniors Card website for the current discounts and offers.

Guide to your Queensland Seniors Card, Seniors Card+go or Seniors Business Discount Card – rules and benefits

Website: www.qld.gov.au/seniorscard

Who can apply for a Queensland Seniors Card, Seniors Card+go or SBDC?

• Permanent resident
• Live in Queensland for at least 6 months each year
• Queensland home address must be shown on driver’s licence or be registered with at least one of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), Centrelink or Electoral Commission of Queensland

In addition, there are age and work requirements for each card type:

Queensland Seniors Card or Seniors Card+go:

• Aged 65 or older and work less than 35 hours per week in paid employment

OR

• Aged 60–64, work less than 35 hours per week in paid employment and hold one of the following: Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, Seniors Health Card; or a DVA Gold, White or Orange card

Queensland Seniors Business Discount Card:

• Aged 60 or over

Proof of age and address is required when you apply and you will be asked to provide one of the following:

• Centrelink customer reference number (CRN)
• DVA file number
• Queensland driver’s licence number, adult proof of age or photo ID card number

How do you apply for a Queensland Seniors Card, Seniors Card+go or SBDC?

There is a single application process for all three card types and you are issued with a card based on your eligibility. You are able to apply up to two months prior to when you turn age 60.

• Application using an online application form 
• Mail PDF form to Smart Service Queensland
• Phone 13 74 68
• Apply at Queensland Government service counters

What government benefits are available with a Queensland Seniors Card, Seniors Card+go or SBDC?

Seniors Card and Seniors Card+go holders only:

• Dual-use with Translink go card to access public transport concessions in Southeast Queensland
• Concession fares and daily travel caps on public transport in SE Queensland and the Queensland Rail Travel network
• Eligible to apply for Queensland Government concessions, including annual electricity ($372.20) and gas ($89.70) rebates; electricity life support concession; free public dental care; medical aids and equipment subsidies
• Eligible for concessional motor vehicle and boat registration fees
• Discount annual fishing permit ($43.46)

What discounts can you get with a Queensland Seniors Card, Seniors Card+go or SBDC?

• Discounts at over 6,200 business outlets
• Online discount search directory
• Free Senior Shopper phone-shopping service for purchases (electrical goods, travel, motor vehicles, computers, furniture, white goods, fishing tackle, cameras etc.). Contact the Senior Shopper Portal or phone 1300 366 265

Heading interstate? Take your QLD Seniors Card

If you’re travelling interstate, it’s well worth taking your Queensland Seniors Card, as most participating businesses will accept Seniors Cards issued by other states and territories.

In most states and territories, you can also access the concessional public transport fares offered to their seniors if you present the Seniors Card issued by your home state. For example, if you are visiting the ACT, you can show your card and 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 programs, such as the free off-peak public transport available to New Zealand SuperGold Card holders. For more detailed information, check the SuperGold website.

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 Australian state Seniors Cards if they offer discounted prices to their own seniors.