Information on Seniors Card

The Seniors Card (Australia)
and the Seniors Health Card

Seniors Card

All state and territory governments issue Seniors Cards free of charge, though where you live can affect the benefits and also the eligibility criteria. To find out more about eligibility for the card in your state or territory, visit http://www.seniorscard.com.au.

A Seniors Card can earn silver shoppers discounts of as much as 50 percent on travel, public transport, recreational goods and services, restaurants, furniture and electricals, entertainment, financial products, insurance, banking services, auto goods and lots of other services.

Generally , shopfronts displaying Seniors Card signs should welcome cardholders with open arms. But always confirm first before making a purchase.

Seniors Health Card

Separate and not to be confused with the Seniors Card, the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is for self-funded Australians who don't qualify for the age pension but have a taxable annual income below $50,000 or $80,000 for couples. Importantly, this card provides access to the concessional rates for medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS).

Those with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card can pay as little as 15% of full price. This card also gives access to bulk-billed GP appointments, a rebate on non-inpatient medical expenses, maybe a telephone allowance and possibly a Seniors Concession Allowance.

This allowance is a non-taxable $200 annual payment made in half yearly installments. It can be helpful with telephone and energy bills, rates and vehicle registration fees and so on.