Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
What is it?
A Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is a concession card that offers cheaper health care and some discounts if you have reached age pension age but are not receiving aged pension from Centrelink.
Medical Benefits
- Cheaper medicine under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
- Bulk-billed doctor visits (at the doctor's discretion)
- A bigger refund for medical costs when you reach the Medicare Safety Net.
Eligibility Basics
- Be Age Pension age (67 years or older)
- Not receiving an income support payment from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans' Affairs
- Can provide a Tax File Number or be exempt from doing so
- Under the income test limit
- Meet residence rules.
Income Test
The income tests use adjustable taxable income and a deemed amount from accountant-based income streams. This is reviewed 20 September each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.
To pass the income test, your annual gross taxable income must be less than:
- $105,048 a year if you are single
- $168,076 a year for couples
- $210,096 a year for couples separated by illness, respite care or prison.
Add $639.60 to these amounts for each child in your care.
There is no assets test.
Residency
On the day you claim, you must meet all of the following:
- living in Australia
- physically in Australia.
You must also hold one of the following:
- Australian citizenship
- a permanent visa
- a Special Category visa (SCV).
For newly arrived residents of Australia, you may have to wait 2 or 4 years to be able to get the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
You must continue to meet the residency rules for as long as you are receiving the payment.
For more information to determine if you are eligible, please visit the Services Australia website.
If anything happened to you, would your loved ones know where to start in relation to your affairs? If you haven't already, now is a great time to review our Financial Wellbeing Checklist to make sure you are on track.
Discuss Further?
If you would like to discuss this, please get in touch.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this information sheet does not constitute advice. The information is of a general nature only and does not take into account your individual financial situation. It should not be used, relied upon, or treated as a substitute for specific professional advice. We recommend that you contact Brentnalls SA before making any decision to discuss your particular requirements or circumstances.
