Getting older is something to celebrate, and as a senior in Australia, there are important concessions that become available to you as you age. Sometimes, these added benefits can be worth their weight in gold.
If you’re over the age of 60, you might not know that you’re entitled to a collection of rewards which continue to help you out as you age. By using your Seniors Card proactively, as well as taking the time to compare your existing health fund—you could potentially reduce some of your financial strain.
The team at Health Insurance Comparison has compiled a quick breakdown of the concessions and eligibility criteria below, so you can start accessing the benefits you’ve earned as a mature Australian as quickly as possible.
What is the Seniors Card?
The Seniors Card is one of many benefits available to all eligible Australians who are no longer working full-time. Seniors cards are part of a free service issued by every state in Australia. They enable holders to receive a wide range of discounts on public and commercial activities—especially useful for those who may have retired or work fewer hours but do not yet qualify for the Age Pension.
Why compare health insurance?
For older Australians, your Seniors Card is the ultimate way to get discounts. Each state and territory has its own card, with varied arrangements when using your card in other states. To put it simply, your card can give you transport concessions and access to discounts from participating businesses on a range of goods and services. This is different from the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
Which states are eligible for the Seniors Card?
Each state and territory has its own Seniors Card scheme. Depending on your location, you can receive a concession on things like your energy and gas bill, rates, medical aids, public transport and taxis and recreation centres. You can often use your Seniors Card from one state in another state or territory when you’re travelling around.
What can I get with my Seniors Card?
Benefits provided by your state Seniors Card include the below:
Victoria
| Eligibility age | 60 |
| Work hour requirement | <35 hours |
Benefits
- free weekend travel within 2 consecutive zones
- concession travels weekdays
- 2 to 4 free off-peak travel vouchers a year
- business discounts
- free Fishing Licence
Queensland
| Eligibility age | 65 (or 60 if applicant holds Commonwealth Concession Card, Centrelink or DVA) |
| Work hour requirement | <35 hours |
Benefits
- motor vehicle registration concessions
- boat Registration concessions
- travel concessions
- electricity concessions
- dental concessions
- spectacles supply scheme
- reticulated natural gas concessions
- medical aids subsidy
- electricity life support
- fishing licence Qld Gov Museums and Art Galleries
- Tours at national parks
- business discounts
Queensland
(Seniors Business Discount Card)
| Eligibility age | 60 (Seniors Business Discount Card) |
| Work hour requirement | None |
Benefits
- business discounts
New South Wales
| Eligibility age | 60 |
| Work hour requirement | <20 hours |
Benefits
- transport concessions: $2.50 a day capped public transport
- business discounts
- NSW National Parks & Wildlife: 20% off NSW National Parks’ annual pass
Australian Capital Territory
| Eligibility age | 61 (every 2 years, increase by 1 year until 65 by 2025) |
| Work hour requirement | <20 hours |
Benefits
- 10% off motor vehicle registration
- dog registration concession
- transport concessions
- spectacles supply scheme
- business discounts
Tasmania
| Eligibility age | 60 |
| Work hour requirement | <20 hours |
Benefits
- transport concessions business discounts
- Public Trustee (Making a Will; Enduring Power of Attorney)
- fishing, game licence concessions (range in value)
- adult community education courses
- National Parks fee (20% discount) and similar recreation venue fee concessions
South Australia
| Eligibility age | 60 |
| Work hour requirement | <20 hours |
Benefits
- off-peak free public transport
- peak concessional public transport
- business discounts
Western Australia
| Eligibility age | 62 (each year, increase by 1 year until 65) |
| Work hour requirement | <25 hours |
Benefits
- free off-peak travel
- concession travel at all other times
- 25% off water service charges, capped at $100 (50% off capped to $600 if hold CSHC plus seniors card)
- free off-peak travel
- 25% off local gov rates capped at $100 (50% off capped to $750 if hold CSHC plus seniors card) + Emergency Services Levy
- 50% rebate off Driver’s Licence
- 50% off Photo Card
- 50% if rebate off vehicle licencing fee
- 50% off Fishing Licence
- Air conditioning rebate
- Cost of Living Rebate: $132.20 for couples and $88.16 for singles
- Spectacle Subsidy $53.85 every two years
- Business discounts
Northern Territory
| Eligibility age | 60 |
| Work hour requirement | None |
Benefits
- $55 motor vehicle registration concessions
- free bus travel in Darwin and Alice Springs business discounts
- The NT Seniors Recognition Scheme provides $500 annually to all residents 60 years and over to use for travel, electricity or water.
There are so many discounts and benefits for each state and territory that it’s not possible for us to list them all. If you see something you’re interested in, check with one of your local Seniors Card offices to receive an updated directory that has all of the deals for your area.
It’s important to keep in mind that some shops frequently display a ‘Seniors Card Welcome’ sticker and that it never hurts to ask any business whether your Seniors Card could get you a discount somewhere.
What is the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC)?
The CSHC is a concession card some seniors can use to get cheaper health care and some discounts.To qualify for a Commonwealth Senior Health Card you must have reached pension age, and meet the income test and residence requirements (are an Australian resident currently living in Australia).
Benefits set by the card could:
- reduce your health care costs, including ambulance, dental and eye care
- give you cheaper medicine under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
- cover your doctor visit as bulk-billed (this is fully at the discretion of your doctor)
- offer you a bigger refund for medical costs when you reach the Medicare Safety Net
The CSHC requirement checklist:
- You must be of Age Pension age
- You must not be eligible for Age Pension or a Veterans’ Pension payments
- You must meet an income test
- You must provide your Tax File Number to the Australian Department of Human Services
- You must live in Australia (as either an Australian resident or a special visa holder)
- You must not work more than a set number of hours per week in paid employment
The income test is that your taxable income**, including superannuation payments from account-based pensions, must be less than:
Singles: $55,808 per year
Couples combined (couples living together): $89,290
Couples separated by illness, respite care, or prison: $111,616
Plus $639.60 for each dependent child you care for.
For a more comprehensive list of information about the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, please see the official CSHC site.
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