The Pensioner Concession Card is a card that gives concessions for health needs and concessions for the cost of certain goods and services, to help Australian seniors afford the cost of living.
Each state and territory in Australia also has their own Seniors Card, which usually gives you a concession on things like your energy and gas bill, rates, medical aids, public transport and taxis, and recreation centres. You can use your Seniors Card from one state in another state or territory when you’re travelling around.
Am I eligible for the Pensioner Concession Card?
You can get the Pensioner Concession Card if you:
- Are receiving any of these pensions: Age Pension, Bereavement Allowance, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance, or Parenting Payment Single
- Are over 60 years old and are receiving the Widow Allowance, or have been receiving the Sickness Allowance or Special Benefit for more than 9 months
- Meet an income test
- Are living in Australia
What is covered by my pensioner concession card?
If you have a Pensioner Concession Card, you are covered, and your dependent child may also be entitled to receive some of these concessions.
Benefits you can get using the card
The Pensioner Concession Card will give you a concession discount on the following goods and services through the Australian government:
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescription medicines (when you show your PCC card or your Medicare card)
- Bulk-billing for doctor’s appointments (if your doctor bulk-bills)
- A higher refund for medical expenses from Medicare (through the Medicare Safety Net)
- Hearing services (see the Department of Health Office of Hearing Services website)
- Mail redirection through Australia Post
Your local state and territory governments and local councils may also provide you with concession discounts on the following:
- Property and water rates
- Energy bills
- Public transport
- Motor vehicle registration
- Free railway travel
You can find out more state and territories government concessions that might apply to you on the Australia.gov.au website.
Other ways to save money
The concessions on your energy bills and public transport are wonderful, but if you need even more tips on how to save money while living on a pension, visit our Budgeting & Saving section.
Or if your savings are just getting eaten up by account-keeping fees, you should take a look at what else is out there when it comes to Savings Accounts. We’ve done the hard work for you by researching and rating the savings accounts on offer in Australia – so all you need to do is visit our website and compare your options.
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