How to get the most out of your free Seniors Card in each state

As a retiree, it can be difficult to make ends meet with just the Age Pension and/or superannuation payments. Thankfully, though, you can access a whole host of offers and discounts tailored to over-60s just by signing up for a free Seniors Card.

Each Australian state and territory has its own Seniors Card scheme, and some reciprocal arrangements are in place that allow you to use your card in other states. Completely free of charge, the Seniors Card gives you access to concessional transport prices, as well as discounts on a range of goods and services at a number of participating businesses and retailers across the country.

To be eligible, you must be 60 years of age or over, a resident of the state and not working more than a set number of hours per week in paid employment.

Here’s a rundown of some of the main offers available to you in each state/territory, or you can visit the government websites and download a printable version of the directory to keep with you.

New South Wales

Over-60s in New South Wales can make the most of deals with a number of large and small companies ranging from reduced dental care and discounted veterinary bills to cheap meal deals, discounted travel and money off cleaning services.

One of the latest deals to be offered is with supermarket giant Woolworths, which offers Seniors Cardholders a number of discounts, including 5 per cent off the price of Woolies’ WISH gift cards.

Other offers include, but are not limited to:

• A 5 per cent saving when you shop at IGA.
• Reduced holidays with the likes of Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn.
• 10 per cent off pre-booked journeys with Towncars.
• 20 per cent off at Bay Machine Embroidery & Craft.

To view the complete NSW discount directory, click here.

Queensland

Queensland retirees can access a broad range of perks thanks to their Seniors Card, from reduced costs for public transport and discounted movie tickets at a number of theatres to money off vital services — such as the installation of living aids (including home alarms).

Other offers include, but are not limited to:

• 10 per cent off any security alarm or CCTV.
• 10 per cent off repairs and servicing with Repco.
• 10 per cent off purchases over $30 at a number of Friendly Grocer stores.
• 10 per cent off parts and labour with A1 Exhausts.
• $7 Dendy movie tickets on Wednesdays — plus complimentary morning tea before 12pm.

To view the complete Qld discount directory, click here.

ACT

Those over the age of 60 living in the ACT can make the most of various discounts, including some national deals with the likes of Myhomefone and White Lady funeral directors, and other more localised deals – such as discounted entry to tourist attractions around the Australian capital.

Other offers include, but are not limited to:

• 10 per cent off all products with Myhomefone.
• Discounts from White Lady funeral directors (enquire personally).
• 20 per cent discount on your first Lite n’ Easy delivery.
• $3 off entry to Canberra’s Telstra Tower.
• 15 per cent discount on all Mediband products, including medical ID and medical jewellery.

To view the complete ACT discount directory, click here.

Northern Territory

Northern Territory Seniors Cardholders can bag discounts at various local coffee shops, clothing stores and restaurant chains around the territory, and also receive money off their entry to some of the region’s most renowned tourist attractions.

Other offers include, but are not limited to:

• 10 per cent off full-price items at Best&Less.
• 10 per cent off all drinks at Gloria Jeans Coffee (Gateway Palmerston).
• 20 per cent off MedicAlert membership.
• 10 per cent discount on glasses at OPSM.
• $28 entry (normally $35) to Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin.

To view the complete NT discount directory, click here.

Tasmania

Tassie seniors can access a whole host of offers designed to help older residents make their money go further. There are offers to suit everyone, ranging from automotive repairs, healthcare, beauty products, fashion and dining out.

Other offers include, but are not limited to:

• 10 per cent off wheel alignment or balancing services and 5 per cent off tyres at Bob Jane T-Mart.
• 10 per cent discount on accommodation at various Best Western resorts.
• 10 per cent off curtains, blinds, shutters and awnings at Factory Blinds.
• 10 per cent off monthly storage fees with Store-it-Safe.
• Discounted admission to all National Trust of Tasmania properties.

To view the complete Tassie discount directory, click here.

South Australia

Whether it’s a new hearing aid, cheap travel or an insurance policy, seniors living in South Australia have access to an extensive range of exclusive discounts.

Offers include, but are not limited to:

• Discounted bookings with Discovery Holiday Parks.
• 15 per cent off travel insurance with Insure and Go.
• 10 per cent off purchases at Outdoor Living Essentials.
• Receive a free small McCafe hot beverage, soft drink or orange juice with a minimum spend of $4 at McDonalds.
• 10 per cent off any drink at Gloria Jeans.

To view the complete SA discount directory, click here.

Western Australia

Those retiring in WA have access to a huge number of discounts and special offers designed to suit local seniors, whether they’re looking to save cash on necessities such as home repairs, travel and health insurance, or creature comforts — such as cheaper food, drinks and leisure activities.

Other offers include, but are not limited to:

• 10 per cent discount on mobility aids with Mobility Shop Direct.
• 5 per cent off security cameras with Perth CCTV Cameras.
• 10 per cent off at SportsPower stores.
• 10 per cent off at Muffin Break.
• $100 off your first order at Naked Wines.

To view the complete WA discount directory, click here.

Victoria

When it comes to discounts, retirees in Victoria can make the most of reduced-price entry to a wide-range of tourist attractions, including Queenscliffe Historical Museum. Other companies that offer perks for seniors in the Education State include accommodation providers Comfort Inn and automative repairs company Sheen Panel Service, to name but a few.

Other offers include, but are not limited to:

• 10 per cent off hearing aids at True Hearing.
• 10 per cent off at Harmony at Tower Hill.
• 10 per cent off at Sewing Connection.
• Concession entry at The Federal Standard Printing Works.
• 20 per cent off servicing rates and repairs at Solar Service Group.

To view the complete Victoria discount directory, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who’s eligible for the Seniors Card in Australia?
A: To be eligible you must be a resident of the state/territory, 60 years of age or over and not working more than a set number of hours per week in paid employment.

Q: What discounts do Seniors Cardholders get?
A: It really depends on which state or territory you live in, but some examples include discounts for groceries, hearing aids, glasses, movie tickets and even hotel accomodation.

Q: Does Woolworths offer seniors discount?
A: New South Wales Seniors Cardholders are eligible for 5 per cent off Woolworths’ WISH eGift cards.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your financial or legal situation, objectives or needs. That means it’s not financial product or legal advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a financial or legal decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get independent, licensed financial services or legal advice.