Your guide to concessions entitlement for retirees and pensioners

The Age Pension

Once you reach the qualifying age, you may be able to receive a full or partial government Age Pension. Whether you’re eligible will depend on your financial situation. 

There are different income and assets test thresholds for singles and couples; as well as for homeowners and non-homeowners under the assets test. 

Find out more about your eligibility for the Age Pension. 

Additional government payments

On top of the Age Pension, you may also be able to access additional government payments, such as: 

• Career allowance 
  If you give daily care to an elderly person or someone with a disability or serious illness.
  
  
• Rent assistance 
  To help cover your rent if you receive an eligible government benefit such as the Age Pension and are renting privately. 
  
  
• Energy supplement 
  To help manage the costs of gas and electricity if you receive an eligible income support payment such as the Age Pension. 

The government also offers various other concessions, allowances and supplements. Find out more on the Services Australia website. 

Government concession cards

If you’re receiving the Age Pension, the government will send you a Pensioner Concession Card. Alternatively, if you’re not eligible for the Age Pension, you may still be able to get a Commonwealth Seniors’ Health Card. 

Either of these cards will enable you to obtain: 

• Cheaper medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
• Bulk billing for doctor’s appointments
• Reduced out-of-hospital expenses through Medicare. 

In addition, the Pensioner Concession Card may provide access to concessions from state or territory governments; or from local councils. 

These could include discounted utility bills, reduced property and water rates; and cheaper motor vehicle registration. 

To get a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, you’ll need to meet the income test and other requirements.

For information about the Pensioner Concession Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, visit the Services Australia website. 

Other government concession cards

In addition to concessions from the Commonwealth Government, you can apply for other types of cards issued by your State or Territory government. Eligibility requirements vary, depending on where you live.

These cards give you discounts on public transport and other services, as well as holidays and entertainment. They carry an age threshold, along with other terms and conditions.

For more details about available concessions, please visit the Services Australia website. You’ll also find more information at the government website in your State or Territory.

Seniors and Pensioners Tax Offset

You may be eligible for the Seniors And Pensioners Tax Offset (SAPTO), which reduces the amount of tax you’re liable to pay. 

In some cases, SAPTO may reduce your tax payable to zero, and you may not have to lodge a tax return. 

However, you’ll need to meet certain conditions regarding: 

• Your eligibility for an Australian Government pension or allowance.
• Your and your spouse's income. 

For detailed information about SAPTO eligibility, visit the Australian Tax Office website.