Understanding the different senior concession cards

There are many types of concession and healthcare cards available to help older Australians access discounts offered by governments, local councils, utility companies and private businesses.

These discounts can amount to considerable savings over the year and can be just as valuable as income support payments.

But, it can be difficult to know which one you are eligible to receive and how to go about applying for them.

Here’s a quick guide on available cards for Australian Pensioners:

CARDWHO IS ELIGIBLE?BENEFITSHOW TO APPLY
Pensioner Concession CardIf you are eligible for an Age Pension payment then you are eligible for a Pensioner Concession CardNational Reduced-cost medicines
Higher Medicare Safety Net threshold
Access to bulk billed GP appointments
National Diabetes Services
Hearing ServicesStateProperty rates and water charges
Electricity and other energy bills
Fares on public transport
Motor vehicle registration fees and drivers’ licences
Admission or ticket prices to various entertainment or sporting venues
Automatically issued with when your application for the Age Pension is approved. 
Commonwealth Seniors Health CardIf you are of Age Pension age but do not qualify for the Age Pension, you might be eligible for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card if your income is below the current thresholds.Discounts on prescription medicines May also qualify for additional health, household, transport, education and recreation concessions that may be offered by state or territory and local governments and private providers.You can make a seniors health card application via Centrelink or MyGov
Seniors CardSeniors Cards are issued by state and territory governments and are available to those aged 60 years and over, who no longer work full-time and are permanent residents. However, eligibility varies depending on the state or territory in which you reside.The main benefit is that Seniors Card holders are entitled to travel concessions in their home state and territory, as well as interstate. Concessions vary depending on the state or territory in which you reside. As an example, NSW Seniors are entitled to:The Gold Opal CardTransport concessions Australia-wideDiscounts and deals at over 5,700 businesses state-wide – fromshops to tradies to travel to financial and professional servicesReciprocal rights in other states – just show your card and askSpecial offers, competitions and more – from our generous SeniorsCard business partnersApply online, by phone or in person at a service centre To apply online for your local Seniors Card go to:NSW:Click here NSW Seniors CardVIC:Click here Vic Seniors CardACT:   Click here ACT Seniors CardWA:  Click here WA Seniors CardQLD:Click here  QLD Seniors CardTAS:Click here  TAS Seniors CardSA: Click here SA Seniors Card

It can be tricky to understand what you’re entitled to – and that’s where it helps to speak to a specialist in this area. Reach out to us to find out more at 08 8231 4709

Article courtesy of retirementessentials

Centra Wealth Group
Take The Next Step, Book an Appointment
Contact Us

Zac Zacharia (Managing Director) has been assisting clients to create wealth and secure their futures for over 14 years.

He is also an accomplished presenter and educator

Co-authoring the popular investment book, Property vs Shares.