In 2020, I published a simple checklist of retirement entitlements in Firstlinks. To my surprise, it became one of the most-read articles of that year. The response was overwhelming and revealing. It showed just how hard it is for Australians to access the benefits they’re already entitled to.
That experience taught me three things. First, everyone loves a practical list. Second, tracking down benefits across multiple levels of government is real work. And third, people are genuinely struggling with the system. I received so many messages about delayed cards and incomplete applications that I had to shut down responses. The frustration was clear: dealing with government, getting things done, and waiting endlessly wears people down.
Fast forward to 2025 and the problem remains the same, however the barriers to building better tools are lower. Thanks to AI, it is now possible to try and build solutions that make life easier. Which is why I have started again. This time, I am aiming higher: not just another list, but a way to match entitlements to people’s circumstances and where they live in a new way.
Why it’s so complicated
The difficulty is not just the Federal/State/Local divide. It is the maze of agencies: Services Australia, Medicare, the PBS, Veterans’ Affairs, transport authorities, and more – each with their own rules, renewal cycles, forms, and deadlines.
For many older Australians, staying on top of it becomes a job in itself. The problem is not just complexity as relentlessness. Each year brings another round of applications, eligibility checks, and new rules – just as the cost of living makes every dollar matter more.
The basics everyone should know
A nationwide hunt for concessions, benefits, rebates, and discounts shows some consistent patterns across the states.
- Utilities: Rebates on electricity, gas, and water are common. But if you live in a retirement village or strata scheme where utilities are on-sold, you will need extra forms and proof of residency. Applications often have narrow windows – miss the deadline, and you miss the rebate.
- Transport and registration: Concessions on driver’s licences, vehicle registration, and public transport are available everywhere, though rules vary. Some states extend discounts to interstate visitors, while others keep them strictly for residents. Worth checking before you plan a road trip.
Regional variations
This is where customised service really makes sense, because benefits differ dramatically depending on where you live. A few examples:
- Western Australia: Fuel cards for remote residents, air-conditioning subsidies, and even subsidised flights to Perth for those living north of the 26th parallel.
- Tasmania: A special travel scheme for Bass Strait Islanders commuting to the mainland.
- Victoria: Extra heating concessions during winter – vital in colder months.
- Stamp duty relief: Several states offer this for pensioners downsizing. Why it is not national policy is anyone’s guess, but if you live in the right state, it is money you do not want to leave on the table.
There is probably a travel guide waiting to be written on how pensioners can maximise discounts on transport, accommodation, and park fees by planning trips across state borders. As I have said - some states are territorial, others more generous to interstate travellers.
The medical black box
I have been a Medicare client since it began in 1984. I have raised children, been to hospital, and navigated countless claims. And I will admit it: I still do not really understand it. The out-of-pocket cost of going to hospital feels like a black box.
For senior Australians, the key benefits are the Lower Medicare Safety Net and concessional PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme). These can save serious money, but they are not straightforward to navigate. People know to hang onto these concessions for dear life, without knowing exactly how they work.
What has been a pleasant surprise is the quality of some government tools and websites. They are not always easy to find, but when you do, they can help you:
- Find bulk-billing doctors in your area
- Compare hospital and specialist costs
- Check which immunisations are free
- Work out whether travelling for treatment could save money
The information is out there – it just feels like detective work to uncover it. How many tabs can you have open on your browser at once?
Government comparison tools
Government-run comparison sites for energy, health insurance, and superannuation are excellent. They are comprehensive, unbiased, and free.
The problem? Search “comparison” online and you will mostly land on commercial sites with small panels and commissions. Unless you know the official government sites that exist, you may never stumble across them.
There are also retirement calculators, important tax information, and superannuation resources. Where do you start?
The project ahead
That is why I have started building something new.
I have started with a grouping of entitlements by card and state. However there is much more to be done. There is something about a clean dashboard of government entitlements with a link to give the user confidence to act, and an explainer when necessary.
The goal is not to replace government resources, but to stitch them together into something coherent. A single place where Australians can answer the most important question:
“What am I entitled to?”
The money is already allocated. The benefits exist. The only barrier is whether people can actually find and claim them. Checkout seniorskit.com.au, register your interest, and let me know what you think.
Brendan Ryan is a Director of Later Life Advice. He has more than 30 years’ experience in financial analysis, modeling, and valuation, starting with his time in Macquarie Bank’s research team in the 1990s. He holds a Certified Financial Planner qualification and have spent more than 20 years specialising in financial modeling for moves into residential aged care.