More benefits extended to more NSW seniors

For the first time all NSW residents over the age of 60 will be eligible to receive discounts on products and services offered by businesses through the NSW Seniors Card program.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Ageing Tanya Davies today announced the new Senior Savers Card would be available from July 1, for senior residents who are not yet eligible for the existing Seniors Card.

"The NSW Liberals & Nationals have worked hard to deliver more savings than ever before to our Seniors Card members and this new card will mean no one is left out," Ms Berejiklian said.

"Seniors give so much to our communities and every single senior across NSW deserves some relief from the growing costs of everyday living."

The NSW Seniors Card will continue to provide existing benefits to its 1.6 million members on anything from mechanics, to hairdressers, to phone bills, while Senior Savers Card holders will have access to the same discounts and deals with the exclusion of NSW Government rebates and transport concessions.

Mrs Davies said that welcoming seniors into the program who still work more than 20 hours a week made sense.

"We understand a lot of people are working longer and retiring later. The introduction of the Senior Savers Card is a way for the NSW Government to give back to these individuals for their tireless contribution," Mrs Davies said.

"The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is committed to reducing the cost of living for seniors through the Seniors Card program."

In the past 12 months, members have enjoyed increased benefits from an additional 1800 businesses and a major supermarket deal. More than 7300 businesses currently offer savings to members statewide, a 32 per cent increase on this time last year.

Ms Berejiklian also announced those with a Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card will not face any fare cap increases under the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government.

"The current Gold Opal card cap will stay the same across the Opal network, meaning customers can enjoy unlimited travel across Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter, Illawarra and Southern Highlands for just $2.50 a day," she said.

For more information about the NSW Seniors Card program, visit www.seniorscard.nsw.gov.au.

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