More than 29,000 South Australians have applied for a Seniors Card since the eligibility criteria was expanded on 1 July.
The expansion removed work-hour restrictions, allowing all South Australians aged 60 and over – and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South Australians aged 50 and over – to access a Seniors Card regardless of whether they are still working.
Since then, applications have been arriving at a rate of around 500 every day, with $8.4 million allocated over four years in the 2026-27 State Budget for the expansion.
The surge means more applications were received in July 2026 than during the whole of 2025, with more than 53,000 applications lodged this year, including 40 per cent submitted within the first 10 days of July.
The free card gives members access to a range of savings, including:
- free 24/7 Adelaide Metro public transport
- discounted regional public transport
- fuel discounts, including 4 cents per litre at participating United Fuel outlets
- grocery savings, including discounts at participating Romeo’s Foodland stores
- savings on dental, optical and pharmacy costs
- discounts on home maintenance, heating and cooling services.
Mark Stojani, a 62-year-old self-employed carpenter, is one of the thousands of South Australians now eligible for a Seniors Card under the new rules.
"As a person who still works full-time, I wasn’t previously eligible for the Seniors Card - even though I’m in my early sixties," Mr Stojani said.
"The fuel and grocery discounts will be a big help, especially when filling up the work van with diesel.
"With a young family I’m also a regular shopper at Romeo’s Foodland, so I’m happy to take advantage of the extra discounts."
For more information on applying for a Seniors Card, visit the website.
