Save your cash
25 Jun 2019
Claiming a discount whenever you can is one of the best ways to stretch your dollars further. We look at the savings on offer to you in your state.
If your budget isn’t quite going the distance it has in the past, try casting your eyes over some of the discounts you can claim simply by being eligible for a Seniors Card in your state.
From July 1, all NSW residents over the age of 60 will be eligible for a wide variety of discounts and deals via a new Senior Savers Card.
Currently, 1.6 million seniors in NSW are eligible for the existing Seniors Card, which entitles members to discounts on everything from mechanics to hairdressers and phone bills.
More than 7,300 businesses currently offer savings to members across the state, with an additional 1,800 businesses and a major supermarket joining the program in the past 12 months.
Under the Senior Savers Card program these benefits will now be extended to over 60s who are still working more than 20 hours a week.
However, for this cohort of over 60s, the benefits don’t include NSW Government rebates and transport concessions, such as the Gold Opal card.
Victoria has a similar two-card system for its senior residents. Over 60s who are working less than 35 hours a week or who are fully retired are eligible for a Seniors Card that includes free or concessional public transport benefits. Those who are working more than 35 hours a week can apply for a Seniors Business Discount Card, which gives access to a range of discounts from 4,000 participating businesses.
In Queensland there’s a Seniors Card for those aged over 65 and working less than 35 hours a week. This entitles members to concessions on transport, motor vehicle registration and health as well as discounts from participating businesses and access to the Senior Shopper service.
Those who are over 60 and not eligible for a Seniors Card can still qualify for a Seniors Business Discount Card. The benefits only include the discounts from participating businesses and access to the Senior Shopper service.
Western Australia residents only become eligible for a Seniors Card when they are aged 62 or over and work less than 25 hours per week. The age of eligibility will rise to 65 by July 1, 2023.
The WA Seniors Card offers members free off-peak travel, local government rates rebate and water rate rebates as well as discounts from 600 businesses.
Similarly, in the ACT, from July 1, 2019, residents will only become eligible for a Seniors Card when they are 62. The age of eligibility for the ACT Seniors Card will gradually be increased to 65 by July 1, 2025.
In South Australia and Tasmania, residents are eligible for a Seniors Card from the age of 60 when they are working less than 20 hours a week, and in the Northern Territory you simply have to be over 60.
If you’re travelling interstate or to New Zealand, it’s worth taking your Seniors Card with you. Often, the states and New Zealand will offer reciprocal arrangements to cardholders.
Also, don’t forget to check the Probus website for exclusive discounts available to Probus Club members.
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