Seniors Cards come with a host of benefits and many Aussie retirees don’t realise just how useful they can be.
Take a look at all the medical and cost of living discounts you can get from your Australian Seniors Health Card and other cards, to ensure you are getting the most out of them.
Seniors Cards vs Australian Seniors Health Card
It’s worth noting that there are a few different seniors cards out there. For example, there are Pensioner Concession Cards, state issued Seniors Cards (e.g. NSW Seniors Card or Qld Seniors Card and the Low Income Health Card.
First, let’s focus on the Australian Seniors Health Card, then take a look at what your state-issued card has to offer..
Who is eligible for an Australian Seniors Health Card?
According to Services Australia, to be eligible for a Seniors Health Card in Australia, you must:
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Be Age Pension age or older
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Meet residence rules
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Not receive an income support payment from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs
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Provide a Tax File Number (or be exempt from doing so)
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Meet identity requirements
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Meet the income test
To double-check that you are eligible if you do not already have a card, head to the Service Australia website’s eligibility checker.
Medical benefits of the Australian Seniors Health Card
The important benefit of an Australian Seniors Health Card is medical. Once you have your card, you should be eligible for:
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Cheaper medicine: Under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, your card allows you a discount on a wide array of prescription medicines.
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Bulk billing at the doctor’s office: This is not universal, but if your health care provider chooses to allow it, your card will let you enjoy bulk billing when you visit your GP so you either do not pay or pay very little for your appointment.
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Potential medical refunds: If you use the Medicare Safety Net, your Australian Seniors Health Card may make you eligible for refunds for certain medical expenses.
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Healthcare costs: In some cases, you may also enjoy a discount on some healthcare costs, including ambulance, dental and eye care.
Other benefits of Seniors Cards
A Seniors Card gives you access to discounts and benefits on a range of goods and services. You can apply for one if you:
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are 60 years or older
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work less than 20 paid hours per week
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are a permanent resident of Australia residing in the state or territory you want to apply for.
While it may vary from state to state, in general, these are the benefits that your state-issued Seniors Card can provide:
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Electricity and gas bill: You may be eligible for a discount on your electricity and gas bills with your seniors card. With the current cost of electricity and the hot summer, saving every penny on these bills could make a big difference.
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Property and water rates: Rates are another annual expense that is never something to look forward to. If you are eligible, a discount on your property and water rates may be a godsend.
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Public transport fares: Australian public transport is an excellent way to get around, especially as you age. This is another place where your seniors card will save you money. Always ensure you are paying discounted prices when you travel by public transport.
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Retail discounts: Depending on the provider. In NSW, for example, you can search businesses that offer discounts to seniors.
Things to know about seniors cards
Most outlets and service providers will ask to see your Seniors Card before applying a discount, so you should always have it handy. Most states will also have a digital form of the card that will display when you open the relevant app.
You will probably be asked to show your Medicare card for Medicare-related benefits as well.
You can manage your Australian Seniors Health Card online at the Service Australia website. If you want someone to manage it for you, you can allocate a representative to take care of your card and monitor your benefits. On your authorisation, this person will be able to make enquiries, update your card, receive payments and deal with your card in all other ways on your behalf.
It’s definitely worth accessing these benefits as you will save money and be able to enjoy a more comfortable retirement.
IMPORTANT: Any tips or advice contained in this article are general in nature and you should always seek professional advice from expert advisers about your individual situation before making significant financial decisions.
