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

Everyone loves a bargain, but once they turn 60 many people in South Australia forget to grab one of the best deals on offer – their SA 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 SA 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.

Guide to your South Australia Seniors Card – rules and benefits

www.sa.gov.au/topics/family-and-community/seniors/seniors-card

Who can apply for a SA Seniors Card?

• Aged 60 or over
• Permanent SA resident
• Work less than 20 hours per week in paid employment (part-time and casual employees may average hours over 12 months)

How do you apply for a SA Seniors Card?

• Online application with number from driver’s licence, Medicare Card or Pension Card
• Mail online form
• Mail application form from SA public libraries
• Proof of age required and application witnessed by non-relative aged over 18

What government benefits are available with a SA Seniors Card?

• Combined with Seniors Metrocard
• Free Adelaide Metro travel during off-peak weekdays and all weekend and public holidays. Around 50% seniors concession at other times

What discounts can you get with a SA Seniors Card?

• Special limited time offers
• Fortnightly digital newsletter
• Seniors Card SA Facebook community: facebook.com/seniorscardSA
• Download Your Lifestyle Guidedirectory (seniorscard.sa.gov.au)
• Printed copy from The Catalyst Foundation, COTA SA, community centres, local MPs, public libraries and local Councils
• Request a mailed copy on 1800 819 961 or seniorscard@sa.gov.au

Heading interstate? Take your SA Seniors Card

If you’re travelling interstate, it’s well worth taking your SA 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.

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?