WA Seniors Card: Benefits, discounts and how to apply

Everyone loves a bargain, but many older West Australians forget to grab one of the best deals on offer – the free WA 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 WA Seniors Card.

What benefits are available?

With a WA 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 WA Seniors Card website for the current discounts and offers.

Guide to your Western Australia Seniors Card – rules and benefits

www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au

Who can apply for a WA Seniors Card?

• Aged 64 years or older up to 30 June 2023
• From 1 July 2023, the eligibility age is 65 years
• Australian citizen or hold an Australian Permanent Resident Visa (Temporary immigration visa holders are ineligible)
• Reside in WA for more than half the year and do not have a permanent residence outside WA
• Work less than 25 hours per week in paid employment (averaged over 12 months)

How do you apply for a WA Seniors Card?

• Online application 
• Unique email address required
• Mail completed online form 
• Mail hard copy application form available from Australia Post offices
• Phone 1800 671 233 for copy of application form
• 100 points of ID required with application form

What government benefits are available with a WA Seniors Card?

• Combined with WA Seniors SmartRider card
• Free travel weekdays (9am to 3.30pm and 7pm to 6am), weekends and public holidays on Transperth bus and train services
• Concessional travel fare at other times
• 50% off regular fares on Transwa services with valid Seniors SmartRider card
• $53.85 subsidy once every two years from WA Spectacles Subsidy Scheme
• Annual Cost-of-Living Rebate from WA Government ($143.50 for couples in 2022) and Safety and Security rebate
• 50% rebate on Emergency Services Levy, Underground Electricity Connection Charge and Water Corporation Service Charges 
• Up to 25% rebate on local government rates
• 50% concession on one annual vehicle licence fee and recreational fishing licences
• 100% exemption for WA Photo Card fee
• Reduced or concession entrance fees for Art Gallery of WA, WA Maritime Museum, Bell Tower, Fremantle Prison, Perth Mint, Monkey Mia Conservation Park, Perth Observatory, Perth Zoo, Rottnest Island, WA Athletics Stadium and greyhound racecourses
• Reduced annual pass and camping fees for national parks tours and state forests
• Reduced bike hire and accommodation fees on Rottnest Island
• Reduced class and entry fees at HBF Arena and Stadium for aquatic, health and fitness classes

What discounts can you get with a WA Seniors Card?

• Over 600 participating businesses
• Monthly competitions
• Online searchable directory: www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au/discountsdirectory

Heading interstate? Take your WA Seniors Card

If you’re travelling interstate, it’s well worth taking your WA 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.