Money
11 impressive things you might not know your Seniors Card can do
If your government-issued Seniors Card is growing dust in your wallet, it’s time to dig it out. This far-reaching program can save you money and enrich your life in some very unexpected ways.
By Bron Maxabella
There are so many benefits to getting older: self-acceptance; a wealth of knowledge and life experiences; financial stability (hopefully!); plus no one expects you to stay late at the party…
The biggest bonus of all, though, is you get to save money just by existing! ‘Seniors’ (the nice term for ‘old folk like us’) get discounts, freebies, special offers and bonus gifts wherever we go. In Australia, it all starts with getting a Seniors Card.
First, you might be surprised you qualify
Many people think you have to be retired in order to apply for a Seniors Card. That’s not the case at all.
You see, there are 2 versions of the card: the one that offers discounts and some other benefits; and the one that also gives you free travel. Almost all states will offer you the first version of the card even if you’re still working. Some will even give you the travel benefits version of the card even if you work part time.
The eligibility criteria for a Seniors Card varies from state to state, but in some states you can qualify for the full card (which includes travel discounts) and still work part time.
Here’s the state-by-state breakdown for full card eligibility:
- Age: 60 years or older.
- Work: No more than 20 hours per week (averaged over 12 months).
- Residency: Permanent resident of NSW.
- Age: 60 years or older.
- Work: No more than 35 hours per week.
- Residency: Permanent resident of Victoria.
- Age: 65 years or older (or 60 if you hold an applicable concession card)
- Work: Less than 35 hours per week.
- Residency: Permanent resident of Queensland, living there for at least 6 months of the year.
- Age: 65 years or older.
- Work: Less than 25 hours per week.
- Residency: Permanent resident of WA.
- Age: 60 years or older.
- Work: Fewer than 20 hours per week (averaged over a 12 month period for part-time and casual work).
- Residency: Permanent resident of South Australia.
- Age: 60 years or older.
- Work: No more than 20 hours per week.
- Residency: Permanent resident of Tasmania.
- Age: 60 years or older.
- Work: You must work no more than 20 hours per week.
- Residency: Permanent resident of the ACT.
- Age: 60 years or older.
- Work: You must work fewer than 20 hours per week.
- Residency: Permanent resident of the Northern Territory.
Second, you have to apply
Getting a Seniors Card isn’t like the poo kit. They don’t automatically send you one in the mail the minute you turn a certain age.
Instead, when you turn 60 (65 in some states - see above), you’ll need to visit your state’s Seniors Card website or service centre and fill out the application form. In most states you can do this up to 2 months before you meet the age requirement.
If you meet all the eligibility criteria, you’ll soon get the tick of approval.
Okay, so with your new card in hand, it’s time to start saving. Here are some of the less well-known things you can do with your Seniors Card.
PS - Don’t forget: Your Citro Card gives you cashback on everyday purchases.
1. Your card is good across Australia
Flash your Seniors Card in any state or territory in Australia and you’ll get reciprocal discounts offered to resident Seniors Card holders. Not all businesses extend their offers to interstate, so be sure to check before you buy.
2. It works in New Zealand too
Most businesses who offer discounts under the New Zealand Super Gold Card will give Aussie Seniors Card holders the same deal. The opposite is true for Super Gold Card holders here in Australia – welcome! Just check to make sure the business you want to buy from is on board before you purchase.
3. You can go digital
You don’t need to carry a physical card – all states and territories offer a digital version of the Seniors Card. If you haven’t yet experienced the convenience of having everything you need in your phone, rather than your wallet, it’s time to get on board. You can access the digi version via an app or website.
4. Travel at a discount or even for free
If you qualify for the full Seniors Card (check eligibility in your state using the links above), you also qualify for cheap or even free travel on public transport. The exact amount varies depending on which state you’re travelling in, but here are some of the deals:
- You can get unlimited travel across NSW for $2.50 per day.
- During off-peak times, travel free on Brisbane City Council buses.
- 50% off all WA regional travel with a SmartRider card.
- Travel at any time for free on all Adelaide Metro buses, trains and trams.
- Free off-peak travel (or anytime if you’re over 70) in the ACT.
- Free bus travel in Darwin and Alice Springs.
- 50% discount on trains, trams and buses in Victoria.
5. Get money off your energy bill
Many energy retailers offer discounts on energy bills for Seniors Card holders. In addition, some states and territories have some impressive rebates on offer for eligible seniors. You’ll need to apply for these as they aren’t offered automatically with your Seniors Card. Check to see what’s available for you.
This will help too: 17 things you can do right now to save big on your energy bill
6. Enjoy a discounted movie
How long since you went to the cinema? There are discounts for Seniors Card holders in every state and the savings are impressive.
For instance, on Wednesdays you can see a flick for $9 at Dendy Cinemas and they even throw in a complimentary morning tea.
Many Palace Cinemas will treat you to a movie on Mondays for $10-12.
Hoyts will let you in for $11.50 every day before 5pm and throw in a $4 choc top. Events and Greater Union have specials for seniors as well.
No doubt your local cinema has similar savings, so pop in and see what’s on offer. A trip to see a good movie is such a nice time.
Image: iStock/Nikola Stojadinovic
7. Pay nothing for a fishing licence
If fishing is more your thing, in some states your Seniors Card means you can throw a line in for free.
This applies to all cardholders in Victoria, Queensland and in NSW if you’re over 70. Your card will still get you a concession rate in Tassie and Western Australia and South Australia. The ACT and NT don’t charge for fishing anyway.
8. Access fun competitions
Seniors Card holders in most states can enter various competitions and prize draws throughout the year. You can win vouchers, event tickets and prize packs.
NSW Seniors Card also offers the Seniors’ Stories writing competition in collaboration with Fellowship of Australian Writers NSW. It’s only for NSW Seniors Card holders, but there might be similar writing competitions in other states, so check on the relevant websites listed above.
Check out: Citro’s free daily puzzles and games
9. Stay healthy for less
Keeping on top of your health is made easier when you don’t have to worry so much about what it’s costing you. There are discounts on allied health, fitness centres, gyms and swimming pools available to Seniors Card holders in every state. The savings are impressive, for example:
- Specsavers gives you 25% off a pair of prescription glasses
- Priceline offers 10% off most things (excludes prescriptions unfortunately)
- The Hobart PCYC offers almost 30% off a yearly gym membership
- Jetts Fitness in Morley, WA gives Seniors Card holders 40% off Team training sessions
- In Adelaide, the SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre charges 10% less for cardholders
- Coastal Physiotherapy in Maroochydore in Queensland gives you $10 off all services
- JCN Clinics in Victoria offer 10% off all nutritionist consultations
The easiest way to find what’s available in your local area is to search the directory on your state’s Seniors Card website (see above for links).
Don’t miss this Citro guide: Vital health checks for Australians in their 50s and 60s
10. Access cheaper internet
Some internet and mobile service providers offer good discounts to Seniors Card holders. They include Aussie Broadband, Flip Connect, Telstra, Westnet, Airtel and 10MATES.
Alternatively, use your Citro Card to get 100% cashback on Tangerine Telecom NBN plans – no Seniors Card required!
11. Save on fuel
Most United service stations will give NSW, SA, VIC and WA Seniors Card holders a 4c per litre discount on fuel purchases. You’ll need your Seniors Card number to sign up for a separate United discount card – they offer a digital version as well as a physical card. Go here to sign up:
12. Get discounts on gift cards
Many states offer discounts on gift cards, but what’s available varies. NSW and Victoria have 5% off Woolworths WISH cards (good to use at Woolies, Big Q, Caltex and other stores).
Hot tip: buy the gift cards and then use them to do your weekly shopping. The savings really add up. You can also do exactly the same at IGA supermarkets in both states.
More tips: 9 creative ways to save on your grocery bills
The Queensland Senior Shopper program has discounts on hundreds of gift cards, including 4% off Coles gift cards, 8% off Accor Hotels egift cards and 8% off Dymocks egift cards. You can browse all the options here.
To see what’s on offer in your state, head to your Seniors Card website (listed at the top of this article) and search ‘gift cards’.
Image: iStock/blackCAT
13. Explore places at a discounted rate
Your Seniors Card will help you explore more. Museums, zoos, parks and other attractions across Australia offer discounts when you flash your card. This comes in very handy when you’re planning a trip because, remember, you can get discounts in other states and territories using your state’s card.
Are you ready to get out and about more? You can get a 25% discount on NSW Parks and Wildlife park entry; visit Melbourne Museum for $5 less; enjoy a day at Australia Zoo with a $10 discount; see exhibitions at the South Australia Art Gallery cheaper on Wednesdays; or get a discount on booking the Three Capes Track in Tasmania.
In fact, there are so many places to explore for less you may be in danger of never coming home again… unless you happen to have a pet to care for, of course.
14. Find an affordable new companion
If you don’t currently have a furry friend but really want one, the RSPCA NSW offers Seniors Card holders a 50% discount when you adopt one of their ‘golden oldie’ animals. There’s also an ongoing 10% discount at all RSPCA NSW vets.
Your new dog or cat might have a few runs on the board, but that’s not something we worry about around here, right? It’s the perfect set up: a new-old pet in the prime of their life to bring joy to yours.
Feature image: iStock/skynesher
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