ACT Minister for Seniors Gordon Ramsay says online applications will make the process easier, a measure that has been welcomed by COTA CEO Jenny Mobbs. Photo: Supplied.
Canberrans aged 60 and above can now apply for a Seniors Card online to access a range of discounts, special offers and transport concessions across the ACT.
The age drop from 62 to 60 is now in effect after the ACT Government backtracked on its plans to increase the eligibility age to 65 by 2025 in November last year.
The change is expected to cost the budget $900,000 over three years.
The card is free and includes a 10 per cent discount on motor vehicle registration and 28 per cent for electric vehicle registration, and operates as a Transport Canberra MyWay card.
It also allows seniors to access reciprocal discounts in other jurisdictions.
“Applying online is another way older Canberrans can gain access to the Seniors Card benefits and for many this will be a more convenient and accessible way to apply,” Minister for Seniors and Veterans Gordon Ramsay said.
“Making the Seniors Card application process easier is part of our commitment to ensure older Canberrans are acknowledged, supported, valued and rewarded for everything they have contributed to our community.”
The move has been welcomed by Council of the Ageing (COTA) CEO Jenny Mobbs.
“COTA ACT very much welcomes an online application process for the very popular ACT Seniors Card,” she said.
“ACT Seniors Cardholders are able to obtain discounts on goods and services provided by over 300 Canberra businesses to help make their discretionary funds stretch further.”
To be eligible, a senior needs to be a permanent resident of the ACT and not be in paid employment for more than 20 hours per week.
Seniors will still be able to apply for the card in-person or over the phone, while cards can still be collected at Access Canberra Service Centres during the designated quiet periods between 9:00 am and 11:00 am weekdays.
Visit ACT Seniors Card for full details, including access to the ACT Seniors Card Discount Directory.
If you require assistance filling out the form or if you are not able to complete an application online, please call COTA ACT on 6282 3777 or the MyWay Administration Office on 6207 7711.
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Annie Wyer, check with Access Canberra, I got the credit on my card refunded by them.
Re, The card is free and includes a 10 per cent discount on motor vehicle registration. I just had a look at my Rego renewal. It says 2% or $8.10.
Why should it be means tested?
To the person who made a typical Liberal party comment about the eligibility requirements shown on the website, this is what it says, "the ACT seniors card is available to persons 60 years or over who are permanent residents of the ACT and who are not in paid employment for more than 20 hours per week.".
I work between 20 -30 hrs a week and it’s never been a problem as my hours change constantly!
Ya cant get seniors card if you have to work over 20 hours aweek to servive
I’m a self-funded retiree and I have to say the benefits are pretty ordinary.
Geoff Hawke ...free bus/tram travel during off peak, $2.50 for the days travel on Sydney Trains and half price on NSW trains . Not bad.
Geoff Hawke looks good to me to those who part fund their retirement!
Geoff Hawke, It's great to get free public transport in Canberra in off-peak, and it isn't much in peak. Half price on the train to Sydney, and $2.50 for all day travel on trains in Sydney. I guess you don't use public transport to have made that comment😮.
Theres an election coming.
Vicki, get on it 🤣
Stacey James i can’t .... I’m in full time employment and not old enough for another year - not fair you have to work less than 20 hours a week !
Vince Ciardullo life just gets better and better..!
Geoff Davis sure does! You will be there soon!
At least I made it!!!
From the above the eligibility is stated as being a permanent resident of the ACT and not in paid employment for more than 20 hours a week. But the online application form asks a different question. Are you working less than 20 hours a week, which would then allow eligibility only for those working from 1-20 hours and exclude all retirees not working. Typical misleading/incompetant ACT government.
The online application form has now been updated and corrected to: “Are you in paid employment for more than 20 hours per week?”
When are they giving 70 and older gold card as you get in NSW they have earned
Kerrie Buitendam free public transport in the ACT is already available to those over 70.
And in off-peak to those with a senior card.
How about stopping the practice of keeping money that hasn’t been used on buses. I went to use my MyWay card that I knew had $10 on it but was told by the bus driver that “the money expired”.... 🤷♀️ that there is a time limit.....
Annie Wyer that is outrageous!
Annie Wyer did you check this out
Ewa Walczuk I should have, but didn’t. I just don’t use the bus very much anyway, but I was annoyed at my money just evaporating under the veil of “time limit”.
Kevin Heyne online ;-)
Maree have a read
Michelle Lette already have a seniors card. Ta
Michelle Lette is there a Senior Seniors Card ? 🙂
Wayne Dalton playing with fire lol
Emma Louise don’t forget to apply for yours! 😘
Bianca Leobaldo hell yes 👵🏻 and don’t forget to remind you man too 🤣
Emma Louise He already got his. 😅😅😅
Bianca Leobaldo he would have 15 years ago
Registered yesterday.