Unlocking seniors discounts around Australia
From age 60 onwards, a whole new world of senior discounts opens up. But navigating the many different cards and concessions on offer is no easy path. From understanding the different eligibility requirements of government cards to staying in-the-know about special offers and rebates, this guide can help make the journey to discounted living much smoother.
Government concession cards
For older Australians, there are four main types of concession cards available to help that may help cover medical bills and provide discounted services and entertainment. These are:
- Pension Concession Card (PCC), which you can get from Services Australia if you receive the Age Pension, Carer Payment or Disability Support Pension;
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC), which can help with the cost of medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) if you’ve reached Age Pension age and you’re not eligible for a PCC;
- Veteran Healthcare Card (at different tiers), available to eligible Australian veterans, to help with healthcare, medicine, transport and utility costs;
- Senior Card, which provides discounted goods and services to permanent residents who are over 60 years of age and work less hours than the state-specified weekly cap (more on this below).
Retail and hospitality seniors discounts
The Seniors Card unlocks discounts at a range of independent retail and hospitality businesses around Australia. View the participating businesses near you, as well as specific eligibility requirements:
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Victoria
- Queensland
- Western Australia
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Northern Territory
Discounted services and transport for seniors
Hairdressers and gyms usually offer senior discounts on specific days and/or times regardless of which card you hold. It may be worth checking in with your local businesses to see if you could take advantage of these concessions. When it comes to transport, many states offer subsidies for taxis, as well as discounted public transport fares. Check in with your local transport authority to see what applies to you.
Utility concessions for seniors
Each state and territory offer different government-funded concessions to help with the cost of utilities. These are separate from the Seniors Card discounts, which may be applicable to specific providers. Here are some state-by-state examples:
- Australian Capital Territory: Seniors who hold a PCC or Veteran Gold Card can receive up to $800 in concessions through the Electricity, Gas and Water Rebate.
- New South Wales: Self-funded retirees who hold a CSHC can apply for a $200 Senior Energy Rebate each year.
- Victoria: Seniors who hold a PCC or Veteran Gold Card can apply for a 17.5 per cent Annual Electricity Concession.
- Queensland: Pensioners and seniors may be eligible for the $372.20 (annual) Electricity Rebate and the $89.70 (annual) Reticulated Natural Gas Rebate.
- Western Australia: Pensioners and seniors can apply for up to 50% off water service charges, as well as up to $700 electricity credit through the Electricity Concession Extension Scheme.
- South Australia: PCC, CSHC and Veteran Gold Card holders can access up to $300 in rebates and emergency electricity payments, as well as retailer-specific offers.
- Tasmania: Seniors holding Services Australia Cards (including PCC and CSHC) can access the Annual Electricity Concession and the Heating Allowance of $56 per year.
- Northern Territory: CSHC and Veteran Gold Card holders can receive electricity credits up to $350, as well as various other concessions through the NT Concession Scheme.
These rebates are just some examples of concessions that may be available to you, and they can change each financial year, so make sure to check in with your local governing bodies to ensure you’re unlocking all the discounts available to you.
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Information current as of 11/9/24. Australian Pensioners Insurance Agency Pty Ltd (Apia) ABN 14 099 650 996 AR 239591 is an authorised representative of AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 AFSL 230859 (AAI), the issuer of Home, Landlord, Car, Caravan, Motorhome, Boat, Travel & Compulsory Third Party Personal Injury (CTP) Insurance.
The information is intended to be of general nature only. We do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss incurred as a result of reliance upon it – please make your own enquiries.
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