Making the most of your Seniors Card

The Seniors Card entitles older Australians to a range of benefits provided by government and businesses. The Card is free and is issued by every State and Territory governments. It is issued in recognition of the contribution that seniors have made, and continue to make, to the Australian community. The eligibility criteria for obtaining a Seniors Card depends in which state or territory you reside in.

The benefits of getting a seniors card include; concessions on government services in property, energy, education, transport, medical and leisure services. They also allow individuals to use the “senior shopper” personal shopping services and they also provide access to a wide range of entertainment and dining discounts in participating venues.

They can definitely make a big difference to your lifestyle and encourage big savings. Each state’s eligibility and attainment procedure is listed below so you too, can enjoy the perks of being over 60.

Australian Capital Territory

In the Australian Capital Territory, you need to make an application at any ACT government shop and will need to provide proof ACT residency and age. To be eligible you need to be…

• At least 60 years of age
• An Australian permanent resident
• Not involved in paid employment for any longer than 20 hours a week

For more information, visit www.cotaact.org.au.

Northern Territory

In Northern Territory, you need to make an application at any ACT government shop and will need to provide proof ACT residency and age. To be eligible you need to be…

• At least 60 years of age
• An Australian permanent resident
• Not involved in paid employment for any longer than 20 hours a week

For more information, visit www.health.nt.gov.au.

New South Wales

In New South Wales, you can apply online for a Seniors Card or obtain an application form from any Centrelink Office, and have it witnessed by a Justice of the Peace before mailing it. To be eligible you need to be…

• At least 60 years of age
• An Australian permanent resident
• Not involved in paid employment for any longer than 20 hours a week

For more information, visit www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au.

Queensland

In Queensland, you can apply for a Seniors Card two months prior to your 60^th birthday. An alternative to the Seniors Card in Queensland is the Senior Business Discount Card. Eligibility is determined when you apply.

For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au.

South Australia

In South Australia, there is no income restriction applied when you make an application for a South Australian Seniors Card.

For more information, visit www.sa.gov.au.

Tasmania

In Tasmania, you are able to apply for a Seniors Card over the counter at any service Tasmania shop and receive the card immediately. You will need to three original identification proofs; one of them must include your date of birth proving you to be over 60 years of age. Acceptable documents include:

• Birth certificate
• Drivers licence
• Firearm licence
• Passport
• Medicare card
• Centerlink Aged Pension Card
• Veterans affairs card

For more information, visit www.dpac.tas.gov.au.

Victoria

In Victoria, you need to make an application at any Australia Post outlet and will need to provide proof Victorian residency and age. To be eligible you need to be…

• At least 60 years of age
• An Australian permanent resident living in Victoria
• Not involved in paid employment for any longer than 35 hours a week

For more information, visit www.seniorscard.vic.gov.au.

Western Australia

In Western Australia, you can apply online for a Seniors Card or obtain an application form from the Western Australian Senior Card Centre, local council offices, or major banking establishments. To be eligible you need to be…

• At least 60 years of age
• An Australian permanent resident
• Live in Western Australia for at least 6 months in every year
• Lived in Western Australia for at least 5 years
• Not involved in paid employment for any longer than 25 hours a week

For more information, visit www.communities.wa.gov.au.

Have you got your seniors card? What great discounts or privileges have you got!?