Concession card benefits: How to unlock savings

Ever wondered if you’re really getting the most of the benefits available to you as a retiree in Australia? While Joan from WA might be enjoying substantial savings on her electricity bills, you might be left pondering if your own state offers comparable perks. It’s no secret that the range of concessions—whether for utilities, transport, or healthcare—varies significantly across the country.

Depending upon whether you’re holding a Pensioner Concession Card (PCC), a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC), or a Seniors Card, the advantages can differ based upon your location. Some states are notably more generous, offering a broader spectrum of discounts and rebates, while others might leave you feeling shortchanged.

So, let’s see the comparison of the key benefits offered by each state and territory. This overview will help you assess where you stand and whether it’s time to advocate for more equitable concessions in your region.

State and Territory key benefits comparison:

State/territory	PCC benefits	CSHC benefits	Seniors Card
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – Key concessions to help with the cost of living	Utilities (electricity, water, etc.) Public transport discounts Up to $750 off council rates  and $98 rebate on levies Motor vehicle registration discounts	No utility concessions for CSHC holders	Public transport discounts 10% Motor vehicle registration discounts Free green waste bin Discounts on range of goods and services ACT Seniors Card
New South Wales (NSW) – Payments and assistance	Energy bills discounts Water rates and council rates concessions Public transport concessions Motor vehicle registration discounts	Seniors Energy Rebate of $250 per household, each financial year. NSW Seniors Energy Rebate	Public transport concessions Discounts on range of goods and services NSW Seniors Card
Northern Territory (NT) Concessions and payments	Electricity, water, and sewerage discounts Motor vehicle registration discounts Concession on prescription spectacles	Utility and transport concessions only available to those Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) holders of a CSHC green card	NT Senior Recognition Scheme, $550 each financial year Motor vehicle registration discount of $55 each year Public transport concessions Discounts on range of goods and services NT Seniors Card
Queensland (QLD) – Concessions	Utility concessions: on electricity, gas and water. Property Rates subsidy up to $200 each year. Home Energy Emergency Assistance of up to $720 once every 2 years Emergency management levy discount of 20% Public transport discounts	No utility concessions for CSHC holders Cost of living rebate on electricity $1,000 for 2024-25 (temporary)	Electricity and gas rebates for owners of residential home parks or multi-unit residences Public transport concessions Discounts on range of goods and services QLD Seniors Card
South Australia (SA) – Disability concessions and entitlements	Energy, water, council rates, and Emergency Services Levy discounts	CSHC holders on fixed or low incomes may receive concessions for household costs, energy bills, emergency service levies and medical expenses. SA Concessions finder	Public transport concessions Discounts on range of goods and services SA Seniors Card
Tasmania (TAS) – Concessions	Electricity, water, sewerage, council rates Motor vehicle registration & license fee discounts	Energy Bill Relief Fund 2024-25 (temporary) up to a maximum $300 rebate on electricity. TAS energy Bill Relief fund	Public transport concessions Discounts on range of goods and services Adult education courses TAS Seniors Card
Victoria (VIC) – Concessions & benefits	Energy, municipal rates, water and public transport discounts	No utility concessions for CSHC holders	Public transport concessions Discounts on range of goods and services VIC Seniors Card
Western Australia (WA) – Concessions available	Electricity, water, local government rates, and public transport discounts	Water services charge discount of 50% Driver’s license rebate of 100%	Water Services charge discounts of 25%   Driver’s licence rebate of 50% Cost of Living Rebate:$107 for singles and $160 for couples. Local government rate concessions WA Seniors Card

Note: The above table provides a general overview. For detailed and up-to-date information, please refer to the official state or territory websites.

Do you qualify for the CSHC?

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is designed for self-funded retirees who have reached Age Pension age but don’t receive any income support payments. Unlike the Age Pension, which considers both your income and assets, the CSHC is assessed solely upon your income. This means that even if you have substantial assets, you may still qualify, provided your income falls below the specified thresholds.

As of 20 March 2025, the CSHC income thresholds are:

• Singles: $99,025
• Couples (combined): $158,440
• Illness-separated couples: $198,050
• Additional amount per dependent child: $639.60 per year

It’s important to note that income from financial assets is assessed using deeming rates, which estimate the income you earn from these assets, regardless of the actual earnings.

Thanks to the current deeming rates—0.25% on the first $62,600 for singles and $103,800 for couples, and 2.25% on amounts above that—you could have substantial financial assets and still qualify. For instance, a single person could have over $4.5 million in financial assets, and a couple over $6.8 million in financial assets, yet remain under the income threshold

Given these thresholds, it’s worthwhile checking your eligibility—you might be entitled to valuable concessions without realising it

Still unsure if you’re getting the full benefits of your concession card? 

Many retirees don’t realise they’re missing out on savings. Retirement Essentials  Commonwealth Seniors Health Card eligibility checker and Entitlements Consultation can help you uncover the benefits you may not have claimed. You can book a consultation today to learn about your eligibility or receive assistance to apply.

What’s your take?

We’d love to hear your thoughts or experience about which states have the best benefits.

Do you get good value from your state-based seniors card? 

Are there any benefits or discounts that have surprised you?