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​Centrelink Low Income Health Care Card

According to the latest issue of "The Senior" newspaper, many people who are eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Card are also available for the Centrelink Low Income Card. It offers the same pharmaceutical concessions but also helps with extra concessions and covers dependants. Eligibility is assessed on gross income for an 8 week period ending the day you lodge your claim with Centrelink. Income must be below the applicable limit, up to $3,840 for singles and $6,672 for couples. You keep the card for six months as long as your income during that time does not exceed $4,880 for singles or $8,340 for a couple in an eight week period. The card entitles holders to state and local government concessions related to energy, health, public transport and rates. Contact Centrelink in person or ring 132-300. "The Senior" is a fantastic free newspaper full of information for Seniors - ours comes from our local council office.
​- Contributed by Debra Cox, 7th March 2012

​Inexpensive Coffee for Seniors

Approximate $ Savings: $2.00 per cup

​ If you hold a Seniors card anywhere in Australia visiting a McDonalds for your coffee can lead to great savings. Simply order a hamburger (this is their smallest burger) and request the free seniors coffee that comes with it. Cost for the burger is $1.95 so for my husband and myself we get two good coffees for under $4.00. Added bonuses are the little burgers if you are hungry too, the air-conditioned comfort and the daily newspapers to read for free. McDonalds are everywhere and if you are in the habit of enjoying a coffee while out and about this can lead to real savings over time, coffee here in Brisbane is around $4.00 per cup in most outlets, so you save $2 for each coffee and $1+ for your daily newspaper every visit.
- Contributed by Liz Dollar, 3rd February 2012

​Constant Discounts with National Seniors Card

I am a member of National Seniors and I am constantly using my card and receiving discounts which over my membership period has more than paid for itself. I always present my card at retail outlets and movies etc and ask if they give seniors discounts and you will be surprised how often you get one. It also works in some pharmacies. If you get friends to join you will also get $3 off your next subscription for every membership you sell. I find the easiest option is three yearly membership.
​- Contributed by Jenny, Greenwood, 28th January 2009

​Great Discounts and New Friends

I have been a National Senior member for two years. I receive great discounts on local and away trips also great discounts overall. Not to mention the new friends you will meet.
​- Contributed by Gale, Bribie Island, 21st January 2009

​National Seniors Membership Saves on Insurances

Several years ago after receiving a home and contents renewal, I decided to try and shop around for a better deal, as the price had suddenly skyrocketed compared to the previous year. A friend told me about National Seniors so I checked them out. By joining I saved $200 on the next years cover. The fee has, of course, increased since then, but still very worthwhile at $39 a year which is a double membership for my husband and myself. There are lots of other discounts offered across a wide range including travel. You also get a regular newsletter mailed to you.
​- Contributed by Beverley, Westfield, 21st January 2009

​National Seniors Membership Pays for Itself in Discounts

We have been National Seniors members for a few years now and have found it paid for it self many times over. We always ask if somewhere will except the card and eight times out of ten its yes. The card paid for itself on a two day trip to Sydney, everywhere we received pensioner discounts, from a cruise to going up Centrepoint tower.
​- Contributed by Linda, Enfield, 21st January 2009

​Seniors Get Shopping Discounts

I don't know much about this organisation (National Seniors), but I do know about Senior Shopper (www.seniorshopper.com.au) which gives discounts for Seniors cardholders and is free to use. Always a plus!
- Contributed by Rosie, Yeronga, 21st January 2009
​ Website: www.seniorshopper.com.au

​NSW Seniors Card is Available Free

If you are you 60 and a permanent resident of NSW and work no more than 20 paid hours per week you can apply for a free NSW Seniors Card to save money! go to www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au
​ - Contributed by Lois, Concord, 21st January 2010
Website: www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au

​Seniors Card

My mother has a Seniors Card, she thinks it's great and so do her friends. As far as I am aware though it is available to people over the age of 60 years, working less than 35 hours per week or retired. To check if you are eligible you will have to contact them, the criteria varies in each state. The contact details for seniors in Victoria are as follows: www.seniorscard.vic.gov.au Email: [email protected] Tel: 1300 797 210 I am not aware of any charges for this card, I think that it is free. What I do know is that you can get discounts on meals in restaurants pubs, clubs, clothing stores, public transport, in fact anywhere the Seniors Card sign is displayed.
- Contributed by Julie, Preston, 21st January 2009
​ Website: www.seniorscard.vic.gov.au

​National Seniors Handy From Fifty to Sixty

I joined the National Seniors when I turned fifty and found it quite handy until I turned sixty and became eligible for the free Government card. You do have to remember to ask for any discounts while shopping etc to gain full benefit.
​- Contributed by Diane, Miller, 21st January 2009

​NSA Membership Discounts are Surprising

I've been a member of National Seniors for a couple of years and have found it definitely worth the yearly membership. My husband and I have been able to use the card for discounted motel accommodation and meals at different clubs/cafes/shops throughout NSW. Just ask if they take the card, you'll be surprised how many will. There are also online discount vouchers for local businesses in your area. I have been able to use for a discount at Uncle Pete's Toys and Mister Minit.
​- Contributed by Alison, Harbord, 21st January 2009

​NSA Card Not Good Value for Country Members

The NSA card didn't turn out to be good value for me. Maybe if you live in capital city, but being in a country town, the opportunities to use it and receive discounts just weren't available. I found it useless and a waste of my money.
​- Contributed by Kathy, Cairns, 21st January 2009

​Seniors Websites

There are several local (Australian) websites related to Seniors and the (National) Seniors Australia card. Some of these websites are: 1. www.nationalseniors.com.au 2. www.seniors.gov.au Each State & Territory (S/T) seems to have its own card. For the NSW card, one has to be over 60 and working 20 hours or less a week. As I read the NSW website and applications form itwould appear that the card is free but, as indicated above, the applicant must be over 60 and needs to have the form witnessed by a JP. I hope this might help.
- Contributed by Paul, Karabar, 21st January 2009
​Websites: www.nationalseniors.com.au www.seniors.gov.au

​Great Discounts for Seniors

Great Discounts for Seniors
I am a member of National Seniors and I am constantly using my card and receiving discounts which over my membership period has more than paid for itself. I always present my card at retail outlets and movies etc and ask if they give seniors discounts and you will be surprised how often you get one. Also works in some pharmacies. If you get friends to join you will also get $3 off your next subscription for every membership you sell. I find the easiest option is 3 yearly membership.
​- Contributed by Jenny, Greenwood, 29th January 2009

​National Seniors Cards Only for City

My friend has one of these cards and where we live there is very little you can use it for. Its mainly for people who live in the city. What you can get on special is good.
​- Contributed by Robyn, Goolwa, 22nd January 2009

​Seven Years a Member and Still Saving

I have been a paying member of National Seniors Australia for about 7 years and have to say that it is definitely worth the membership. I have saved my annual fee and more, every year with the discounts available to members. For example, you can buy gift vouchers from Woolworths at a discount, then use them to do your grocery shopping. You can also get lots of deals from businesses all over the country, travel discounts, etc. I even used my membership card when I was overseas to get Seniors discounts for a variety of things, such as entry into various museums and tourist exhibitions, all I did was ask if they would honour my card and often they were very willing to do so. I think it is well worth the investment.
​- Contributed by Kerrie, Pacific Paradise, 23rd January 2009

​Seniors Discounts

I'm not old enough but a friend is and says that the National Seniors Australia card is the best thing she'd done because the Vet gave her ten percent discount plus the local fruit and veggie market recognized it as well. McDonalds gives Seniors [and NSA members] coffee for just fifty cents a polystyrene cup.
​- Contributed by Emily, East Victoria Park, 22nd January 2009

​National Seniors Association

Approximate $ Savings: Depends at least 10%

​ Seniors - people 50+ can join National Seniors Association. It costs $29.00 per year for a single and $39.00 for a double membership. Only one of a couple need be over 50. Almost everywhere that Senior discounts are given the NSA card is accepted. There is a website (http://www.nationalseniors.com.au) with a list of all discounts, etc. My vet recognized it which was a fantastic saving (didn't give me one when I was a supporting parent) also, our local fruit and veg market gives 10% discount every Tuesday and I don't need to show the card anymore as I'm remembered.
- Contributed by Julie, East Victoria Park, 20th July 2008

​UK Pensioners

If you travel to UK and you receive a pension or Part Pension from UK, you should apply to the Pension people in UK BEFORE leaving Oz because you can receive a full unfrozen pension for the whole time you are in the UK. This is not publicised and I only found out after reading a UK magazine. By which time I had been in England for five weeks so they will only pay me full pension from the time I notified them. So do it before leaving OZ.
​- Contributed by Shelia, Tweed Heads West, June 21st 2006