Life just got a whole lot cheaper

Seniority has its privileges, and reaching 60 can unlock a bonanza of financial benefits in the form of rebates, discounts and concessions. Here’s how to start claiming them.

There are a number of ways to save on health, utilities, transport and more. Here’s an overview to help make sure you don’t miss out.

1. Make the most of concession cards

The Pensioner Concession Card

The granddaddy of all concession cards is the Federal Government’s Pensioner Concession Card, entitling you to cheaper health care and medicines and discounts on utility bills and transport. For people over 60, you should qualify if you have been receiving any of the following for more than nine months:

Newstart Allowance
Parenting Payment (partnered)
Partner Allowance
Sickness Allowance
Special Benefit, or
Widow Allowance

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card offers some medical and energy discounts to those of Age Pension age who are not eligible to receive the pension but satisfy an income test.

Seniors Concession Card Scheme

Each state government has a seniors concession card scheme. The eligibility requirements vary and may include number of hours in paid employment and/or an age limit. An associated Discount Directory, generally available online, lists participating businesses, including those with reciprocal arrangements with other states.

Senior Savers, or Senior Business Card

NSW, Queensland and Victoria have also recently introduced an additional Senior Savers or Senior Business Card so seniors more active in the workforce can also access some discounted goods and services.

2. Save on utilities

Energy supplement

Some holders of the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card are entitled to claim an energy supplement, which provides assistance with household expenses, including energy costs.

Energy company concessions

Some energy companies, such as AGL, provide concessions to holders of a Seniors Card via the Discount Directories

Council rate reductions

Local governments offer council rate reductions to Pensioner Concession Card holders

State discounts and rebates

State governments offer discounts or rebates to seniors in different ways. See state-by-state offerings here.

3. Hunt health discounts

Cheaper medicines and bulk billing

If you hold the Federal Government’s Pensioner Concession Card, medical discounts include cheaper medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme along with bulk-billed doctors’ visits and the Hearing Services Program. The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card also offers some medical concessions.

Savings on specs

Spectacles are subsidised in each state, though a means test may apply. Read more.

State government concessions

See the medical concessions in your state by clicking here.

More savings in the Discount Directory

Many service providers – some dentists, for example – list concessions in their state or territory’s Discount Directory; search online for your state’s version.

4. Out and about

Senior travel cards

To access travel discounts, Seniors Concession Card holders may need to apply for a senior travel card – for example, a Gold Opal in NSW or a Seniors Myki in Victoria. Benefits are also available for interstate travel.

Cheaper motoring

Some states and territories offer reduced rates on car registration, licence renewal and stamp duty on compulsory third party insurance. Find out more.

Private company discounts

Several private travel companies offer benefits to senior concession card holders. For instance, Greyhound offers a 10% discount on full adult fares and Europcar offers senior specials of 10% off the base rate on car rental year round.

The great outdoors

For those looking to get back to nature, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service offers some senior discounts, and holders of pension concession cards are also exempt from fees for fishing licences in some states. In NSW, for example, seniors card holders can apply for a discount on annual passes.

International travel

Seniors Cards may be accepted internationally so it’s worth asking when you’re overseas.

Take time to reflect

Learning to live without a parent – someone you’ve known and loved your whole life – can be very difficult, and the sense of loss their death brings may take a long time to subside. It’s important you allow yourself time to grieve and connect with family and friends to share memories as you settle their affairs and plan for the future.

5. A little retail therapy

Save on groceries

Woolworths lists a range of offers in state and territory Discount Directories, including deliveries and gift cards. Some IGA supermarkets also offer discount days for senior concession card holders.

Savings at the movies

The major cinema chains and many independent cinemas offer seniors discount sessions or tickets.

Cheaper eats

Many food outlets, including local restaurants and national chains, offer discounts through Discount Directories.

These offers here represent only a sample of the great discount deals for seniors, and not all businesses that offer discounts are listed in directories, so always check in with your favourite retailers.

Take time to reflect

General advice and information only

Any advice and information on this website is general only, and has been prepared without taking into account your particular circumstances and needs. Before acting on any advice on this website you should assess or seek advice on whether it is appropriate for your needs, financial situation and investment objectives.