Record numbers of South Australians embrace expanded Seniors Card
Record numbers of older South Australians are embracing the Malinauskas Government’s expanded Seniors Card initiative, with more than 29,000 applications received since eligibility was expanded on 1 July, delivering on a key election commitment to help ease cost-of-living pressures.
The expansion is making a real difference for thousands of older South Australians, giving more people access to practical savings on everyday essentials including fuel, groceries, public transport and healthcare while keeping more money in household budgets.
Since eligibility was expanded on 1 July, with $8.4 million allocated over four years in the 2026-27 State Budget, applications have continued to arrive at a rate of around 500 every day.
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 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.
The free card gives members access to everyday savings when it matters most, 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.
As households continue to manage cost-of-living pressures and higher everyday expenses, including fuel prices, the expanded Seniors Card is delivering practical savings that help older South Australians stay active, connected and better off.
Fast Facts
More than 29,000 applications received since 1 July.
Around 500 applications are currently being received each day.
More applications received in July 2026 than during the whole of 2025.
More than 53,000 applications received so far this year.
* 40 per cent of applications were submitted in the first ten days of July.
* Seniors Card eligibility now includes all South Australians aged 60 and over, regardless of work status, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South Australians aged 50 and over.
Quotes
Attributable to Tom Koutsantonis
The response to the Seniors Card expansion initiative has been outstanding and shows just how much South Australians value practical cost-of-living support.
More than 29,000 people have already signed up since the changes came into effect, and applications continue to pour in every day.
When people save money on essentials like petrol, groceries and public transport, that’s money they can put towards the other costs of everyday life. That’s exactly what this expansion is designed to do.
At a time when households are carefully managing every dollar, helping South Australians save on everyday essentials is one practical way we can make a real difference.
Whether you’re still working, easing into retirement or already retired, we’ve made it easier than ever for South Australians to access these benefits.
Attributable to Katrine Hildyard
Thousands more South Australians are now accessing practical savings that make a real difference to everyday life.
Whether you’re still working, transitioning into retirement or already retired, the expanded Seniors Card is there to help you save on the everyday essentials while staying connected to your community.
This expansion means older South Australians no longer have to choose between continuing to work or receiving the benefits of a Seniors Card. We’ve removed that barrier so more people can access the support they deserve and improved ability to participate in community life.
For many people, it’s the everyday expenses that add up; filling the car with petrol, buying groceries, catching public transport or paying for healthcare. The Seniors Card helps ease those costs and puts money back into people’s pockets.
I’m really pleased that more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander South Australians aged 50 and over are now eligible to receive a Seniors Card, helping more First Nations Elders can also benefit from these practical savings.
Attributable to Mark Stojani, a 62-year-old, self-employed carpenter who recently applied for a Seniors Card
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.
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.