Seniors Card

The most important feature of a Seniors Card is that it gives you access to concessional fares on public transport.

There might be other state government concessions like discounted entries to National Parks, museums and so on. But the nature of these concessions vary from state to state and territory.

And then there are the discounts that private businesses might offer you when you present a Seniors Card. They don’t have to. But many do, especially in relation to travel, hospitality, insurance and commodities. Check the online directory in your state or territory listing local deals and discounts.  

Eligibility

How to qualify for the card varies from state to state and territory. 

To be eligible you need to be 65 years in Queensland, 62 to 65 in Western Australia depending on your date of birth and at least 60 years in all other states and territories. 

You must be a resident with an official address in that state or territory.

You can still work in paid employment while holding a seniors card, so you don’t have to retire to qualify. But all states and territories set a limit on the number of hours you can undertake paid work and still qualify.

This number is set per week and averaged over 12 months, but varies widely across Australia. In NSW, ACT, Tasmania and South Australia it is 20 hours per week. Western Australia draws the line at 25 hours. In Victoria and QLD you can work for up to 35 hours.

The Seniors Card is not means-tested. And this is important. You might live in a mansion with water views and have money coming out of your ears, and still qualify for discounts.

Application

You usually apply online with your green Medicare Card or over the phone. 

Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland also offer a paper form application.

In Queensland and ACT you can apply in person at government service centres. In Western Australia and South Australia you apply at an Australia Post outlet and in Tasmania a Service Tasmania shop will help you.

What to provide with your application differs slightly from state to state but you usually need to provide proof of identity, age and address. 

Travelling

Many places in Australia will give interstate seniors with an interstate Seniors Card the same concessions as local seniors with the a local Seniors Card.

The same applies to many places overseas. So always take your Seniors Card with you when you travel.

Validity

The cards don’t have an expiry date. Once you receive a Seniors Card, it is valid for a lifetime. So there is no need to renew the card.

The card lists your name, is not transferable and can be replaced if damaged, lost or stolen. 

More Information

Each state and territory provides online information about their Seniors Card program. Their websites will give you up-to-date information about eligibility, application and concessions. We have listed the links here:

New South Wales – Victoria – Queensland – Western Australia – South Australia – Tasmania – ACT – Northern Territory

Senior Business Discount Card

All states and territories offer a Seniors Card, but only Victoria and Queensland offer a Senior Business Discount Card. 

A Senior Business Discount Card is not as good as a Senior Card. It offers less. And so you would only apply for a Senior Business Discount Card if you don’t qualify for a Seniors Card.

But it still is pretty good given that thousands of business outlets in Victoria and Queensland will offer you free deals or discounts on the Discount Card.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us. There might be a simple answer to your query.