In this handy Guide to discounts & supports for Australian seniors, we’ve listed the essential FREE and low-cost support services, discounts, freebies and ‘senior perks’ that can help you maintain your independence, health, and well-being.
Government Support Programs
My Aged Care
My Aged Care is the gateway to accessing Australian Government-funded aged care services. It provides information and assistance for older Australians and their families about aged care services, assessments, and eligibility. Services include assessments by ACAT/ACAS teams, information about home care packages, residential aged care, and respite care.
Access Australian aged care information and services | My Aged Care
Ph: 1800 200 422
Home Care Packages
Government-funded packages that provide a range of services to help seniors live independently at home. Services can include personal care, domestic assistance, nursing, allied health services, and social support.
Home Care Package Guidelines – Aged Care Decisions
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
This program provides entry-level support services to help older people live independently at home. Services may include domestic assistance, personal care, social support, and transport. Some services under CHSP may be provided for free or at a low cost depending on income.
What is CHSP? | The Commonwealth Home Support Program (agedcaredecisions.com.au)
Veterans’ Home Care (VHC)
VHC provides a range of services to help eligible veterans and war widows/widowers remain living independently at home. Services can include domestic assistance, personal care, respite care, and home maintenance.
Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) | Department of Veterans’ Affairs (dva.gov.au)
Ph: 1800 838 372
Carer Gateway
While primarily for carers, Carer Gateway offers support and services that can indirectly benefit the elderly they care for, including information, counseling, respite services, and emergency support.
Ph: 1800 422 737
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
For individuals under 65 years with a disability that significantly affects their ability to perform daily activities, NDIS offers support services that may also benefit elderly individuals with disabilities.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Ph: 1800 800 110
Personal Support & Advocacy
Aged Care Decisions
Australia’s largest home care provider & residential aged care comparison service. We take the stress out of finding the best provider in your area.
Aged Care Decisions – Find Aged Care, Home Care and Respite
Ph: 1300 775 870
Emergency and Crisis Support Services:
These organisations offer confidential support and counseling over the phone for seniors experiencing emotional distress or crisis situations.
| Lifeline – 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services | 13 11 14 |
| Beyond Blue – chat to a counsellor on the phone or online 24/7 | 1300 224 636 |
| Elder Abuse Helpline – get information and advice on elder abuse | 1800 353 374 |
| OPAN – Older Person’s Advocacy Network | 1800 700 600 |
| Men’s Line Australia – Free professional 24-hr phone counselling for men | 1300 789 978 |
| Friendline – a resource for anyone who needs to connect or just wants a chat | 1800 424 287 |
Heath Support & Services
Healthcare: Seniors with a valid Medicare card may receive lower-cost or free healthcare services, including doctor visits, medications under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and certain medical tests.
Health Direct
A government-funded service that provides free, 24-hour health advice and information including a symptom checker, and a national health service directory
Trusted Health Advice | healthdirect
Ph: 1800 022 222
Telehealth Services
During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth services became more widely available for medical consultations, providing convenient access to healthcare professionals from home.
A range of healthcare providers now provide telehealth services to patients, including GPs, specialist and consultant physicians, allied health providers, mental health professionals and nursing services.
Meal Delivery Services
Several services offer nutritious meals delivered to seniors’ homes, with options for regular meal plans or frozen meals that can be heated at home. Many will cater to dietary requirements, and some can be partially funded through a Home Care Package.
Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels Australia
Dineamic: Healthy Meals Delivered | $11 Pre-Made Meals 🚚 | Dineamic
Lite & Easy: Good Food n’ Great Results (liteneasy.com.au)
Pharmacy Delivery Services
Some pharmacies, including larger chains such as Chemist Warehouse and Priceline Pharmacy offer prescription medication delivery services that can be arranged online.
Social and Wellbeing Supports
Council and Community Health and Wellbeing Programs
Many local councils and community organisations offer free or low-cost health and wellbeing programs specifically designed for seniors, including exercise classes, social activities, and educational workshops. Call your local council to see what’s on offer.
Public Libraries
Many public libraries and community centers offer free or low-cost activities, classes, and social events that are open to seniors.
Men’s Shed Association
More than 1200 Men’s Sheds, across Australia, offer a welcoming space where men come together to share skills, hobbies, and friendship.
Find a Men’s Shed group here: Men’s Shed Locations – Australian Men’s Shed Association (mensshed.org)
Grocery Delivery Services
Major supermarket chains, including Coles and Woolworths, offer online shopping with home delivery options for groceries and household essentials.
Some independently owned IGA stores also provide online shopping and home delivery services.
Read more: Priority home grocery delivery for seniors: Coles Woolworths (agedcaredecisions.com.au)
Discounts and Freebies
To access these discounts and concessions, seniors often need to present proof of age (such as a Seniors Card or pensioner concession card) when making purchases or booking services. It’s advisable to inquire directly with providers about available discounts and eligibility criteria.
Seniors Card
The Seniors Card gives people aged 60+ access to discounts and concessions on various goods and services, including public transport, health care, and recreational activities.
Find out how to apply for a Seniors Card in your state here: Concessions for older Australians | myGov
Transport discounts
Seniors are usually eligible for discounted or concession fares on public transport, including trains, buses, trams, and ferries.
Discounted household bills
Some utility providers offer discounts on electricity, gas, and water bills for seniors. Check with your local utility provider for eligibility and details.
Recreation and Leisure
Many cinemas, theaters, museums, and recreational facilities offer discounted admission prices or special concessions for seniors. National parks and attractions often also offer reduced entry fees.
Retail and Shopping
Some shops offer seniors discounts on specific days or products. Membership programs like the Seniors Card may offer additional discounts at participating businesses.
Dining and Restaurants
Certain restaurants, cafes, and eateries sometimes offer senior discounts or special meal deals. It’s worth asking about discounts when dining out.
Travel and Accommodation
Seniors often qualify for discounted rates on travel packages, tours, accommodation, and travel insurance. Some travel providers and booking platforms offer specific senior discounts.
Education and Learning
Universities, TAFEs (Technical and Further Education institutions), and community colleges may offer discounted or free courses for seniors looking to pursue further education or hobbies.
Tens of thousands of Australian families take advantage of Aged Care Decisions’ 100% FREE aged care matching service to help them find Home Care Package Providers or residential aged care vacancies that suit their needs.
Our Placement Specialists use custom-built software to match your location, budget, care needs and personal preferences with available providers that suit your specific needs.
Contact us now and we’ll assist you to find an aged care provider you love.
