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

Everyone loves a bargain, but once they turn 60 many Tasmanians forget to grab one of the best deals on offer – their Tasmania 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 TAS 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 Tasmanian Seniors Card – rules and benefits

www.dpac.tas.gov.au/divisions/csr/programs-and-services/seniors_card

Who can apply for a Tasmanian Seniors Card?

• Aged 60 or over
• Tasmanian resident
• Work less than 20 hours per week in paid employment

How do you apply for a Tasmanian Seniors Card?

• Apply at Service Tasmania shops
• Download application form and apply at Service Tasmania shops
• Three forms of ID (including proof of age and Tasmanian address) required

What government benefits are available with a Tasmanian Seniors Card?

• Concession rate ($2.40 cash and $1.92 Greencard) on Metro buses. Greencard gives daily travel cap depending on boarding time.
• Concession fares on MerseyLink urban buses, non-urban routes and ferries
• 20% discount on Inland Recreational Angling Licence and Recreational Game Licence
• 50% discount on Recreational Sea Fishing Licence
• 50% discount on Annual and Two-Year Seniors All Parks Pass for National Parks
• Discounted entry and fees for Port Arthur Historic Site, Overland Track, Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Hastings Experience, Mole Creek Caves and Highfield Historic Site, Cascades Female Factory Historic Site and Three Capes Track
• Free Will and EPOA preparation if Public Trustee appointed executor
• Fee concessions for adult education courses

What discounts can you get with a Tasmanian Seniors Card?

• Over 600 participating businesses
• Online searchable directory: dpac.tas.gov.au/seniors_card/find_a_discount
• Downloadable discount directory: dpac.tas.gov.au/Seniors_Card_Directory_2019-20.pdf
• Printed directory available from Services Tasmania Service Centre, Libraries Tasmania, Tasmanian Visitor Information Centres and some local MP’s offices
• Seniors Card Tasmania Facebook: facebook.com/seniorscardtas

Heading interstate? Take your TAS Seniors Card

If you’re travelling interstate, it’s well worth taking your TAS 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?