With discounts on everything from groceries and public transport to movie tickets and local attractions, if you are over the age of 64, there’s no excuse not to grab your FREE WA Seniors Card!
What is the WA Seniors Card?
The Western Australian Seniors Card is a free government-funded discount card for Senior citizens, which offers money-saving discounts on public transport, government charges, dining, museums and leisure and entertainment activities. Western Australia was the first state to introduce the Seniors Card in 1988 as a mark of the community’s care and respect for seniors, and in recognition of the contribution seniors make to the community.
Who is eligible for a WA Seniors Card?
To apply for the WA Seniors Card program, you must meet the following eligibility criteria.
- Be aged 64 years or older (The age to qualify for a WA Seniors Card will then increase to 65 by 1 July 2023.)
- Are an Australian Citizen or holder of an Australian Permanent Resident Visa.
- Work in paid employment less than 25 hours a week.
- Live in Western Australia
Note: The card is valid in WA only and is not available in other states. All other state and territory governments run their version of the Seniors Card. If you are visiting another state in Australia, you will more often than not find that businesses, including tours, attractions, restaurants and hotels, will recognise Seniors Cards from other states. It’s best to ask the business before making a purchase if they have a special offer for WA Senior Card holders.
What are the benefits of the WA Seniors Card?
A range of State Government concessions, rebates and benefits are available with the Seniors Card. These are as follows:
- Cost of Living Rebate scheme. The payment amount for 2021-22 is $93.12 for singles and $139.64 for couples.
- 25% rebate on local government rates ($100 cap) and 50% ($750 cap) if hold WA Seniors Card and CSHC
- 25% rebate on Water Corporation service charges (capped), Emergency Services Levy and Underground Electricity Connection charge (50% rebate and potential deferment if also hold CSHC)
- 50% discount on driver’s licence renewal fee (100% rebate if you own both a WA Seniors Card and CSHC)
- 50% discount on vehicle licence fee
- 50% discount on WA Photo Card fee (free if also have a CSHC)
- 50% discount on Recreational Fishing Licence
- Up to $54.34 off pair of spectacles every two years
Additional discounts may apply if you hold both a WA Seniors Card and a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
To qualify for a Commonwealth Senior Health Card you must be of Age Pension age and meet the income test and residence requirements. The Commonwealth Senior Health Card is a concession card that provides discounts on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescription medicines and discounts or concession, including bulk-billed doctor appointments and cheaper out-of-hospital medical expenses.
The card is combined with a SeniorsSmartRider, which offers free off-peak public transport and concession fares. As a WA Seniors Card member, use the SmartRider side of your card for free travel on Transperth services from 9.00 am to 3.30 pm, 7.00 pm to 6.00 am on weekdays, and all weekend public holidays, and during Seniors Week. If you travel outside of these times, you will receive a fare discount of up to 60% off the standard fares for Transperth Bus, train and ferry services.
WA Senior Card holders also receive discounts when purchasing food and groceries and receive free or discounted access to many state-run events and facilities, including the shopping centres, museums, and sporting facilities in Perth. The list includes discounted entry to the WA Museum Boola Bardip, WA Maritime Museum, Art Gallery of WA, The Bell Tower, Perth Zoo, Perth Observatory, Rottnest Island Tours and Transport fees, HBF Arena, HBF Stadium and national parks including annual passes, entry fees and camping fees.
For a complete list of benefits for seniors card members and participating business, visit communities.wa.gov.au
How do I apply for a WA Seniors Card?
Applying for Western Australian Seniors Card is a simple process. You’ll need to fill in an application form confirming that you meet the eligibility requirements and providing 100 points of ID to verify your identity. Accepted identity documents to total 100 points are as follows:
70 Points
- Australian Passport
- Australian Birth Certificate
- Australian Citizenship Certificate
- International Passport
40 Points
- WA Drivers Licence
- Centrelink Card
- Department of Veteran Affairs Card
- Photo Card issued by the Department of Transport
25 Points
- Medicare Card
- Council Rates Notice
- Motor Vehicle Registration
- Utility Bill
You can either complete the online form or download an application form here. To apply online you will need to have your own email address. Forms are also available from WA Seniors Card Centre in Perth or Australia Post outlets.
Final Thought
You’ll love the benefits of joining the WA Seniors Card. It’ll get you out, keep you busy, and save you money while allowing you to enjoy the best of what WA (and Australia) has to offer. If you want to check out some of the restaurants around Perth that offer dining discounts with the Seniors card, then make sure you read this article.
To find out more about the WA Seniors Card and to apply visit www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au
You can also visit their Facebook page.
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