SA Seniors Card: Benefits, discounts and how to apply

Everyone loves a bargain, but once they turn 60 many people in South Australia forget to grab one of the best deals on offer – the free SA Seniors Card.

Even if you have not fully retired from the workforce, it’s worth checking to see if you are eligible for a Seniors Card, as the rules in many states allow you to undertake some paid work and still receive a card.

Getting a non-means-tested Seniors Card gives you access to valuable concessions on transport costs and discounts from participating businesses for a wide range of goods and services.

To help you make the most of this valuable free scheme, check out SuperGuide’s detailed guide to accessing and using your SA Seniors Card.

What benefits are available?

With a SA Seniors Card you can access lots of discount offers on goods and services you purchase, plus generous public transport concessions and reductions on some government fees and charges.

The discounts available from participating businesses vary considerably, with many of the benefits related to holidays, travel and hospitality. There are also discounts on everyday items like automotive services, household needs, recreation and professional services.

Although discount offers are available year-round from participating businesses, some offers are special time-limited deals. That means it’s a good idea to regularly check the SA Seniors Card website for the current discounts and offers.

Guide to your South Australia Seniors Card – rules and benefits

Website: www.seniorscard.sa.gov.au

Who can apply for a SA Seniors Card?

• Aged 60 or over
• Permanent SA resident
• Work less than 20 hours per week in paid employment (part-time and casual employees may average their hours over 12 months)

How do you apply for a SA Seniors Card?

• Online application with your driver’s licence number, Medicare Card or Pension Card
• No income or pension limit
• Mail or fax the application form, forms can be found at SA public libraries
• The mailed form must be witnessed by a non-relative aged over 18

What government benefits are available with an SA Seniors Card?

• Dual-use card combined with SA metroCARD for public transport
• Free travel all day, every day on Adelaide Metro buses, trains and trams
• Free off-peak travel available to interstate Seniors Card holders if you apply for temporary MetroTicket (National Seniors Card, Seniors Business Discount Card and NZ SuperGold Cards not accepted)

What discounts can you get with a SA Seniors Card?

• Online searchable directory: www.seniorscard.sa.gov.au/benefits/discounts-and-deals
• Printed copy of Seniors Card Discount Directory, Your Lifestyle Guide, is available at over 400 collection points across the state, including The Catalyst Foundation, local council offices, libraries and community centres
• SA Seniors Card Facebook community: www.facebook.com/seniorscardSA

Heading interstate? Take your SA Seniors Card

If you’re travelling interstate, it’s well worth taking your SA Seniors Card, as most participating businesses will accept Seniors Cards issued by other states and territories.

In most states and territories, you can also access the concessional public transport fares offered to their seniors if you present the Seniors Card issued by your home state. For example, if you are visiting the ACT, you can show your card and apply for an Interstate Seniors MyWay Card to receive similar concession fares to ACT seniors.

Travelling overseas? Pack your Seniors Card

Thanks to a reciprocal agreement with the New Zealand Government, Australian state Seniors Card holders can access discounts from thousands of participating businesses through New Zealand’s SuperGold Card program.

This arrangement does not include state or nationally funded programs, such as the free off-peak public transport available to New Zealand SuperGold Card holders. For more detailed information, check the SuperGold website.

It can also be worth taking your Seniors Card if you travel to countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, USA and Canada, as many overseas businesses accept Australian state Seniors Cards if they offer discounted prices to their own seniors.