Senior Cards and Discounts

In order to help seniors across the country, the Australia government offers a variety of concession cards to those how meet certain qualifications. If you would like to check your eligibility for any concession cards designed for seniors, here are some guidelines to get you started.

There are multiple types of senior’s cards available including general savings cards which provide numerous discounts for everyday shopping and living needs. Each state or territory will have its own version and it allows seniors access to discounts for local businesses across most industries. Other senior’s cards are more specific in their use such as the senior’s health card and pensioner concessions card.

Below is more detail on each.

General senior’s card

As mentioned senior’s cards provide great savings across multiple areas of general living including medication, travel, holidays, hobbies, eating, bills and more. There are hundreds of businesses that provide seniors discounts and are partnered with the Australian government. You can find a directory of discounts by state below.

NSW Senior Cards Discounts – Search discounts
QLD Senior Cards Discounts – Search discounts
VIC Senior Cards Discounts – Search discounts
SA Senior Cards Discounts – Search discounts
WA Senior Cards Discounts – Search discounts
TAS Senior Cards Discounts – Search discounts
ACT Senior Cards Discounts – Search discounts
NT Senior Cards Discounts – Search discounts

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

Australian residents who have reached pension age may be eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. The card provides access to lower cost health care options, such as cheaper prescription medications and access to medical services funded by the Australian government. Additionally, local government organizations may offer additional discounts to those who qualify for the concession card, as well as certain local private businesses.

In order to qualify for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, certain income requirements must be met. For single individuals, your annual income must fall below $52,796, while combined couples must be less than $84,472. Couples who are separated by illness, respite care, or where one partner is in prison, must have a combined income below $105,592. However, the income limit increases by $639.60 for each dependent child in your care.

To receive a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, you must apply to the program. Supporting documentation may be required to ensure you meet any specified qualifications. Renewals are automatic as long as you remain eligible.

Pensioner Concession Card

For those who do not qualify for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, the Pensioner Concession Card can also be used to receive discounts on certain goods and services. In order to be eligible, you must be a recipient of one of the following:

• Age Pension
• Bereavement Allowance
• Carer Payment
• Disability Support Pension
• Newstart Allowance
• Parenting Payment
• Youth Allowance

If you are over the age of 60, you may be eligible if you have received one of the following benefits for more than nine months:

• Newstart Allowance
• Parenting Payment
• Partner Allowance
• Sickness Allowance
• Special Benefit
• Widow Allowance

Benefits associated with the Pensioner Concession Card includes bulk billing for doctor appointments at participating offices, as well as higher Medicare benefits once certain thresholds are met. You may also receive assistance through the Hearing Services Program, and be eligible for lower cost mail redirection through the post.

Certain state and local benefits, such as discounted water rates, reduced energy bills, and transportation cost reductions may also be available. Additionally, private businesses may offer discounts, at their discretion, to those who carry the Pensioner Concession Card.

Those who qualify for the Pensioner Concession Card do not need to apply to the program. Eligibility is determined automatically, and a card will be sent if you are eligible. Replacement cards for expiring concession cards will also be sent automatically as long as eligibility is still being met.

Using Your Concession Card

To receive benefits associated with a concession card, you may be required to present the card at each transaction. Those who use the Express Plus Centrelink mobile app may be able to use a digital image that is saved within the Digital Wallet associated with the account.

Living on a fixed income can be challenging and stretching every dollar in retirement is important to help with the monthly budget. Taking advantage of discounts and subsidies from the government, non-profits and local businesses is a great way to say whilst enjoying the simple pleasures in life.