Each State runs their own Seniors Card program. The WA Seniors Card is a very hand card to have …
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Eligibility
If you meet the below criteria then you should be eligible for the West Australian Seniors Card:
Aged 63 or more
The eligibility age has been gradually moving to age 65. For those born between 1 July 1958 and 30 June 1959, the eligibility age will be when you turn 64 years of age, and anyone born after this will become eligible when they turn 65.
An Australian citizen who resides in WA
Permanent residents of Australia are also eligible. You must live in Western Australia for more than half a year and can’t have a permanent residence outside of the State.
Not in full-time employment
You must work, on average, less than 25 hours per week. Fortunately, if you are retiring from full time work then you are considered eligible straight away.
State Government Concessions
There are a range of concessions which will save you money. Some of the more popular and significant ones are:
Transperth
Your WA Seniors Card will also act as a Transperth Smart Rider. You will be able to travel on Transperth services either free of charge or on a concessional basis.
The free travel is available every weekend (including public holidays) and between 9.00am to 3.30pm and 7.00pm to 6.00am on weekdays. At all other times you will travel on a concessional fare.
You should ‘tag on’ and ‘tag off’ with your Seniors Smart Rider even when travelling in the free period. If you want to use the Seniors Smart Rider card outside of the free travel period, then you will need to ‘load’ a minimum $10.00 initial value onto the card.
Local Government Rates
WA Seniors Card holders receive a 25% discount on council rates and the Emergency Services Levy. Sounds good doesn’t it, but I’m afraid there is currently a cap of $100 so it is not as attractive as made out. If you have a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or Pensioner Concession Card as well, then the discount moves to 50% and the cap to $750.
Strangely, you apply through the Water Corporation (see below).
Driver’s Licence & Vehicle Registration
You will receive 50% off the cost of your driver’s licence and this increases to 100% if you have a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. If you have both cards, you will also receive a 50% rebate on your vehicle registration fee. Further details can be found here.
Water Corporation
For seniors who own and occupy a residential property, the Seniors Card will give you a 25% rebate on the water service charge. This again though is capped at only $100. It increases to a 50% rebate, capped at $600, if you also hold either the Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
You can apply for a concession here.
Reduced Entry Fees
Most State government run operations offer discounts. Whether it is a museum, zoo or National Park, check the details out here.
Business Discounts & Special Offers
Holders of the WA Seniors Card are able to receive numerous discounts from over 800 businesses listed in the WA Seniors Card Discount Directory. The participating businesses cover a huge range of products and services. These include entertainment, shopping, subscriptions for just about everything you can think of. You can conduct an online search for products, services and experiences here.
Going Travelling?
Excellent, it means you are making the most of retirement.
If you are travelling within Australia, make sure you take your WA Seniors Card with you. Most businesses who are registered with their respective State Seniors programs will also recognise the WA Seniors Card and pass on discounts. There are even participating businesses in New Zealand which will recognise the WA Seniors Card.
The businesses offering discounts include tours, attractions and accommodation.
Importance of Budgeting
If you are reading this blog post then it is likely you are about to retire or have just retired. If so, congratulations, it is an exciting and enjoyable period of life. It is also a great time to consider running a budget. At a minimum, please consider our free budget planner which easily allows you to get an understanding on where your dollars are being allocated to.
Apply for a WA Seniors Card here.
We hope you have found this information on the WA Seniors Card of interest. Reaching retirement is an exciting stage of life. It is also a critical time to ensure your finances are properly structured for the decades to come. If you would like to discuss your retirement planning with independent Perth financial advisors, please get in touch.
