Thousands more South Australians will get immediate relief from rising living costs, as the Malinauskas Labor Government's expansion of the Seniors Card takes effect from July 1.
Amid cost-of-living pressures and fuel price rises, the State Government is putting money back into the pockets of tens of thousands of additional South Australians.
The expansion of the Seniors Card promised at the election will deliver much-needed cost-of-living relief for an estimated 80,000 additional older South Australians.
From 1 July 2026, the Seniors Card, which provides a range of discounts, will be available to all South Australian permanent residents aged 60 and over, regardless of how many hours they work. It will also be available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over.
Previously the Seniors Card was only available to people over 60 working fewer than 20 hours a week. This expansion removes all working-related restrictions.
The expanded program will give more South Australians access to practical, everyday savings, including:
- free 24/7 Adelaide Metro public transport
- fuel and grocery savings, including 4 cents per litre off at participating United service stations and 5 per cent off at Romeo Foodland stores
- discounted health services such as dental, optical and pharmacy items
- discounted regional transport
- savings on home maintenance, including electrical, plumbing and roofing
The 2026-27 State Budget provides $8.4 million over four years to deliver the expansion, which will help thousands more seniors stay connected, active and financially secure.
With fuel and household bills continuing to rise, these savings will help ease pressure where it matters most – at the checkout, at the petrol station, and in the weekly budget.
Seniors Card membership is free, and members can also opt in to receive updates and offers, including the popular WeekendPlus publication, reaching more than 114,000 South Australians each fortnight.
To check eligibility and apply visit Seniors Card | Seniors Card.
As put by Peter Malinauskas
We know cost-of-living pressures are real and we want to do everything we can to help South Australians.
Previously the Seniors Card was only available to seniors working fewer than 20 hours a week, but now we are expanding it to all South Australians aged 60 and over regardless of how many hours they work.
At a time when the private sector is crying out for workers, it makes sense to offer the same benefits to seniors who are still actively and strongly engaged in the workforce.
From July 1, 80,000 more South Australian seniors will be able to access real savings on essentials like fuel, transport and groceries.
This is about putting money back into people's pockets and making everyday life more affordable.
As put by Tom Koutsantonis
We are investing $8.4 million over four years to deliver real savings to South Australians by expanding the Seniors Card.
Within weeks, tens of thousands more South Australians will be eligible for the Seniors Card, providing a range of discounts on essentials like fuel and groceries.
This is just one of the many measures in the State Budget delivering cost-of-living relief to South Australians.
As put by Katrine Hildyard
Every day we're hearing from South Australians who are doing it tough, and we're listening and acting by helping ensure they feel and are supported in real, practical ways.
As cost-of-living pressures hit hard, this expansion means more South Australians can access practical support.
For many older South Australians, these savings mean greater independence, more financial breathing space, improved capacity to equally and actively participate in our economy and create stronger connection to their community.
As put by newly eligible Seniors Card member Donna-Marie Currey, aged 61 from Smithfield
I work 30 hours a week in aged care advocacy and it's great that I can now access the Seniors Card as a result of the working-related restrictions being removed.
Having access to things like free public transport and discounted meals will mean I can make it to appointments and out for lunch with friends for meals that are more affordable.
The Seniors Card is a truly important part of helping us feel less isolated and more included in our community.
