From vets to dry cleaners, and just about every service in between, many organisations offer discounts once you reach your seventh decade. They range from cheaper cinema and concert tickets, discounted meals and haircuts to reduced public transport fares, golf green fees and savings on language courses.

While the recent lockdown has forced many of us to stay home, now can be a good time to check what’s on offer and plan for when options are opened up.
The options seem to be endless but it’s not always easy to find out what’s on offer. It’s worth doing your homework to make sure you make the most of what’s out there.

Have you got your Seniors Card yet?

Start with the Seniors Card available to all Australians when they turn 60*. If you make the most of it, the card could be the most valuable birthday present you’ll receive. It’s not means tested but you do need to apply – the cards are not issued automatically. It’s a simple process of contacting the relevant state government agency in your area.

The cards, and the conditions attached to them, are different in each state and territory. For example, to qualify for a seniors card in Victoria you need to be aged over 60, a permanent resident and also working less than 35 hours a week or fully retired. In contrast, if you live in South Australia, New South Wales, the ACT or Tasmania, you need to be working less than 20 hours a week to qualify for your state’s card.

The discounts and offers provided through the cards include those from government agencies and private businesses and can vary from place to place. Most organisations will honour cards from other states so it’s worth checking what’s available if you’re travelling. When travelling overseas is back on the agenda, it’s worth taking your seniors card with you as many organisations in other countries, particularly New Zealand and the United Kingdom, will provide discounted prices for seniors.

There's also the Seniors Card Discount App

A useful way to see what’s on offer if you’re on the move is by downloading the Senior Cards Discounts App to your phone. The free app claims to list more than 36,000 discounts from around Australia and New Zealand so could be particularly helpful if you’re travelling and keen to see the offers outside your local area.
If you qualify for a government pension you may be eligible for further savings if you have a Pensioner Concession Card, check https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au for details.

What's on offer in your local area?

And don’t forget your local council. Many councils offer discounts on rates and other services for seniors so check your local area.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask. Many small local businesses offer discounts for seniors. Whether it’s the local pub that has a senior’s meal deal on a certain day of the week or the cinema with cheaper sessions, it’s worth checking what’s available. A business may not always publicise the concessions they offer but you might be pleasantly surprised if you ask.

This year the pandemic restrictions, that have forced us to stay within our local areas, have reinforced the importance of supporting local businesses more than ever.

If you think you may be eligible for a senior’s card or the Centrelink Age Pension, we suggest that you seek advice from your Financial Adviser about your eligibility. You can contact TelstraSuper Financial Planning for further information on 1300 033 166 or go visit the Australian Government website.