Information for Seniors
Eligibility Criteria
FAQs and Answers
Eligibility Criteria for an ACT Seniors Card
ACT Seniors Card is Managed by COTA (ACT) on behalf of the ACT Government.
- At least 60 years of age
- A permanent resident of the ACT
- Not in paid employment for more than 20 hours per week.
- Proof of age and residency must be provided
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and Answers
Who is eligible for an ACT Seniors Card?
People 60 years or over, who are permanent residents of the ACT and not in paid employment for more than 20 hours per week.
Is the Seniors Card Scheme a national scheme?
No. Seniors Card Schemes are the responsibility of State and Territory Governments, not the Commonwealth Government. Each State/Territory operates its own Seniors Card. The criteria for eligibility criteria and the range of benefits vary between the states.
Can I obtain concessions on train travel between Canberra and Sydney?
Seniors Card concessions can be obtained from ACT Countrylink for travel from ACT into NSW. Please phone Countrylink Travel Centres @ Kingston - (02) 6239 7039 or the Jolimont Travel Centre - (02) 6257 3686. Alternatively, refer to the Travel Section in the ACT Seniors Card Directory.
Can I use my ACT Seniors Card throughout Australia?
When travelling interstate you may find that some businesses will accept your ACT Seniors Card even though you are not a resident of that State. You may be able to use your ACT Seniors Card to obtain discounts on local transport. Businesses represented in each states directory with (map of Australia) beside the business name, welcome holders of an ACT or interstate seniors card.
Can I use my ACT Seniors Card overseas?
In some countries, particularly Great Britain and the United States of America, businesses will provide holders of an ACT Seniors Card with discounts on goods and services, although there are no formal international agreements in place.
Change of Address?
Please notify the Seniors Card Office if you have changed your address.
- Call the ACT Seniors Card Hotline on (02) 6282 3777
- Drop us a line at PO Box 5566 Hughes ACT 2605
- Email the Seniors Card manager:
seniorscard@cota-act.org.au
What happens if my card is stolen, lost or destroyed?
You can apply for a replacement ACT card from ACT Government Shopfronts, Libraries or direct from the Seniors Card Office at COTA (ACT) office. Locations and phone numbers are listed in the front section of this directory.
Does the ACT Government subsidise businesses for the discounts they provide?
The Government does not subsidise businesses in any way for their participation with Seniors Card. The businesses offering the discounts do so at their own discretion and as a way of recognising the contributions made by seniors in the community and the value of their patronage.
What's the best way to make use of my ACT Senior's Card?
Seniors Card offers the following advice when buying goods and services with your card:
- obtain the normal quoted price before showing your Seniors Card and requesting a discount, (unless otherwise stated in this Directory);
- to obtain a discount, you need to present your seniors card prior to payment;
- if you are making an appointment for a service advertised in this directory as ‘free consultation’, please mention that you are a cardholder when making the appointment;
- if you have difficulties in obtaining discounts from companies listed in this Directory, please advise the Seniors Card Office so that the matter can be investigated; and
- if you discover other businesses providing discounts to seniors and they are not listed in the Directory, please advise the Seniors Card Office so that they can be approached for future inclusion in the Directory.
I'm visiting from Interstate, can I use my State's Senior's Card in the ACT?
Many ACT businesses will recognise each states seniors card and give you the displayed seniors card discount. Businesses listed in each states' directory who display this symbol (map of Australia) after or before the business name, offer a discount to holders of a seniors card in each state. If you are travelling interstate, phone or write to the Seniors Card Office in the State you are visiting and ask them to post you a Seniors Card Directory.
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