Incredible Pensioner Discounts

One of the benefits of reaching a certain age is the availability of discounts that aren’t available to the younger portion of the population. Whether you are dealing with a more complicated financial situation, or simply want to enjoy one of the perks you have earned with time and experience, take a look at these opportunities to save.

The most common way to save is through the use of concession cards. A concession card can be acquired from a number of schemes. Many are available free to those who meet the qualifications, while others require a membership fee in order to maintain eligibility. The benefits of each type may vary, making it wise to explore your available options and pick the card, or cards, that are best for your needs.

National Seniors Card

National Seniors, a consumer lobby representing Australians over the age of 50, provides access to a variety of discounts and rewards. An advice line is included, allowing card holders to receive assistance on a range of consumer concerns facing seniors today.

Anyone who is either age 50 or over, or the spouse of a person aged 50 or over, is eligible. The membership fee starts as low as $40, and provides access to a multitude of benefits. This can include discounts on travel and healthcare, lower insurance rates, and free advice on topics of relevance.

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (government card)

Provided by the Australian Department of Human Services, the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card helps seniors lower the cost associated with various health care expenses, such as prescription medication and medical services. Anyone who has reached the age of eligibility for the Age Pension, has a tax file number, and is a resident of Australia is eligible as long as certain income restrictions are also met.

Along with health care benefits, you may also receive discounts on other services, such as rail travel or retailer specific offerings.

Pensioner Concession Card (government card)

A second concession card offered through the government of Australia, the Pensioner Concession Card is available to a larger range of individuals than the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. You may qualify if you receive benefits including, but not limited to, the Age Pension, bereavement allowance, carer payment, or disability support pension. For those over 60 years of age, you may be eligible if you have received certain allowances for more than nine months. These allowances can include, but are not limited to, parenting payments, partner allowances, and sickness allowances.

The Pensioner Concession Card can provide discounts on prescription medications, reduced water rates and energy bills, and discounts on various costs associated with transportation.

Learn more about different seniors cards here.

Additional Discounts Available to Seniors

Individual business may offer benefits to seniors, including discounts or special pricing events. Often, all that is required to qualify for the discount is to produce valid identification that includes your legal date of birth. Some businesses will have posted policies regarding these discounts or other offerings. If you do not see a policy, feel free to ask if any senior discounts are available. While not all businesses offer them, many do, and that can lead to significant savings over time.

In addition to general discounts, regularly check that your benefits are up to date. Should you have a change in financial circumstances, you may be eligible for additional benefits you can quickly review benefits by using a Centrelink calculator or estimator or review current pensioner rate thresholds. Any additional income to the monthly budget can be a great boost in household living.