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

Everyone loves a bargain, but once they turn 60 many Victorians forget to grab one of the best deals on offer – their Victoria 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 VIC 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 Victorian Seniors Card or Seniors Business Discount Card – rules and benefits

www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/seniors-card

Who can apply for a Victorian Seniors Card or Seniors Business Discount Card?

• Aged 60 or over
• Australian resident living in Victoria
• Victorian Seniors Card: Work less than 35 hours per week in paid employment or fully retired
• Seniors Business Discount Card: Working over 35 hours per week in paid employment

How do you apply for a Victorian Seniors Card or a SBDC?

• Online application with green Medicare Card for both
• Application form for Victorian Seniors Card onlyavailable at local library.

What government benefits are available with a Victorian Seniors Card or a SBDC?

Victorian Seniors Card holders only:

• Free Seniors myki card and concession prices (50% discount on full fare) on trains, trams and buses weekdays. Free travel Saturday and Sunday in two consecutive zones and regional town buses
• Concession fares (50% discount on full fare) on V/Line trains and coaches
• Two free off-peak travel vouchers annually (four for regional card holders)
• Free travel during Victorian Seniors Festival in October (8 days)
• Exemption from Fishing License in Victorian waters

Seniors Card and Seniors Business Discount Card holders:

• Discounted entry at Melbourne and Immigration Museums, Scienceworks, NGV International, Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Royal Botanic Gardens, Imax Theatre, Queen Victoria Market, Marine Discovery Centre, Heritage Hill Museum, Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, Frankston Visitor Information Centre, Latrobe Performing Arts Centre, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery

What discounts can you get with a Victorian Seniors Card or a SBDC?

• Over 4,000 participating businesses
• Discounted (5%) e-Gift cards if purchased online (includes JB Hi Fi, David Jones and Priceline)
• Special limited time discount offers
• Regular e-newsletter and magazine
• Discounts when visiting New Zealand from SuperGold businesses: supergold.govt.nz.
• Online searchable directory: seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/discount-directory

Heading interstate? Take your VIC Seniors Card

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