August 22, 2020 
25 Comments 
The recently released Federal Government economic statement was very ‘big picture’. But what does this outlook really mean for those on a retirement income? And how does the situation vary according to your retirement tribe? Today our favourite plain-speaking economist, Matt Grudnoff joins Deeksie and Kaye to make sense of the current financial turmoil, and how it might play out for your retirement security
Read Matt Grudnoff’s latest article from the July 2020 Retirement Affordability Index.
Our eyesight is a precious gift and protecting it a primary concern for most older adults. Today we have news of a free Tele Optometry service which means everyone can check in with a qualified professional to monitor their eyesight or receive feedback on any concerns. Dr Peter Murphy from OPSM explains how this works.
For more information visit www.opsm.com.au.
And which little piece of plastic is most useful when you want to save a dollar or two? None other than your Seniors card, which can unlock a wide range of deals and discounts. So what do you need to know about the different state and territory rules? Listen up to find out more.
Unsure what the Seniors Card entails? Check out YourLifeChoices Seniors Card explainer.
Will Brodie
ABC News
YourLifeChoices Writers
Janelle Ward
Ben Hocking
Ellie Baxter
Senior Card is valuable at age 60 but once you have a pensioner’s card it no longer gives you much of a benefit. At least that has been my experience. In Qld you have to be aged 65 to get it anyway.
I have had my senior card since 60. As long as you are only working part time under 65.
im 60 and i got it in qld ‘
You get it with a low income health care card at 60 years of age. Centrelink number is required.
The ACT in general talks the talk but does not walk the walk. Blow their own trumpet as “Age Friendly City,” but do not listen to what Seniors really want. E.g. basic amenities such as more toilets in suburban centres.
And footpaths! Cant have a mobility scooter/vehicle in most suburbs!
No aged-friendly transport? Yes, there a community bus. Great. Cant get a walker onto it…No one to help load it up the steps? Community transport? Run by a for-profit company that requires a regular booking, no ad-hoc trips. Then there’s subsidised taxis. Driven by fit and healthy people that wont help load walkers, groceries etc. AND in some cases wont accept the discount and charge full fare…
I’ve had a seniors card in Victoria since I turned 55 (I think) There are great benefits in train travel here with this card amongst quite a few other things like events,movies etc. I can travel on the train to the city from the suburbs for free on a weekend and about 1/2 the cost any other time. I also now have the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card which obviously not as good as the pensioner health card (I’m retired but not on a pension) but great for prescriptions, doctors etc. Back to the Seniors Card, there are a lot more discounts than you may think, just have to check out the website.
Useless in Qld if you don’t use public transport. Yes there are a long list of discounts, but most offer a miserly 5% and are miles away, or are items you would never use or need. My local cinema – when open – only charges $6.50 for pensioners.
Tried a few times to get one… (I am 68). Website is impossibe to navigate (I spent 50 years of my working life in the IT industry…) I hear that there’s an income test as well?
You have to work less then 25hrs in wa to get a senior’s card. Google phone number and give the authority a call.
Which state are you in, in NSW I don’t think there is an income test, I’ve had the seniors card for about 12 years, I was 62 and retired and there wasn’t an income test then.
No income test in NSW. Got the form at the local post office, filled it in. Verified by a Justice of the Peace with photo ID and proof of address. Got the card in a few days. NO electronics involved at all.
when you are fully self funded it is not worth much at all..only thing I use rarely is free transport between 9 and 3 pm. Yes there may be discounts on some purchases but when you get over 70 I have found you do not need to spend a lot of money on “things”!
I have senior card get discount on rates, water rate, driving licence and asked gas company for a discount and was successful. Not sure if I got reduced electricity. I live in WA
There are lots of discounts in NSW I get a discount on gas and electricity, water rates, council rates, car rego, travel within the state costs $2.50 and you can use it at anytime and it covers buses, light rail, ferries and trains, I have both the seniors card and my pension concession card. When we used to travel interstate there are also lots of discounts, in SA you can get free travel in off peak times on the trains, not sure about the other transport, they give you a card that lasts two weeks, in Melbourne you can get a discounted MIKI card and free entry into the museums, QLD also give a discount on their buses, NT also give discounts on various transport options including the hop on hop off bus.
I have had one for a few years and because I live in a country town of about 5000 people it is next to useless. I don’t use public transport when I visit the city and cannot find many places that take it. MCC Donald will give me a free small cup of tea and KFC give me a bit off. Other than that it just a weight in my pocket.
Rates and water rates are reduced if you let them know you have a seniors card. Driving licence aswell. Plus talk to synergy and alinta, i did and even thou they are not liable to give you a discount they gave me one
Got my NSW Seniors Card when I retired and turned 60 and I am a self-funded retiree. Since then, my entitlements only was used for public transport. But, since I drive all the time, it’s useless.
Totally agree Lorna. Card is useless. The only time I went to use it – to buy a tyre. I looked up the places who offer seniors discounts, and rang to get a price for seniors card holder. Next day I walked in to get price – and the price was DEARER saying you had the Seniors card. Don’t even carry it now. Besides, if I need a specific item I am not going to drive miles to try and get a discount of a few dollars.
Seniors card in Qld, does not give you free transport but, reduced. Pensioner cars is needed for discount on rates, elect, etc. you have to,be on a full pension to get these discounts
You sure about full pension requirement? Got rate and electricity reductions and I have never been on a full pension, part pension only. Before 65 I got electricity reduction for just having a Health Care Card.
I agree Sunny oz not worth the hastle in Qld .