Can you access this “gold” savings card?
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is often considered the gold standard of concession cards. It was first introduced in 1994 in order to give low income retirees who didn’t qualify for the Age Pension access to similar Commonwealth concessions as the holders of the Pensioners Concession Card (PCC).
Since then access has been increased and benefits widened to make this card an extremely valuable adjunct to self-funded retirees’ retirement income.
Essentially, it is a concession card which allows holders to access cheaper health care as well as a range of discounts, as long as the holder has reached Age Pension age.
Below we list the conditions which apply to this card, the top level benefits and how the income test works. It is worth noting that there is no assets test on the CSHC however deemed income on account based pensions is included in the income assessment.
What is the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card worth?
It really depends upon your personal situation, but the savings on the medical safety net and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) are worth about $2500 per annum for singles, double that for couples, before all the other benefits kick in. That’s what earns this card its gold standard status.
But it’s both surprising and interesting that only 420,000 of Australia’s 1.9 million self-funded retirees – just 22% – have received this valuable card. There are many reasons why this might be so:
- the 18-page application is incredibly detailed,
- people don’t know it exists, or
- assume that their assets will knock them out.
Don’t join those who are missing out. Check your eligibility today.
Eligibility conditions include:
- Age Pension age or older
- meet residence rules
- not be receiving a payment from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
- supply a Tax File Number (or have submitted a notice of Non Lodgement to the tax office as evidence that you are exempt from having to do lodge a tax return)
- meet identity requirements
- meet the income test.
Benefits:
Commonwealth benefits include:
- cheaper medicine under the PBS
- bulk billed doctor visits (depending upon your doctor)
- a refund for medical costs when you reach the Medicare Safety Net.
- You may also get the Economic Support Payments such as the ones paid during the Covid pandemic
Extra benefits:
Your state or territory government and local council may apply a discount to some or any of these expenses:
- electricity and gas bills
- property and water rates
- health care costs, including ambulance, dental and eye care
- public transport fares
- recreational activities
- Mail charges
- Stamp duty
Income test for the Commonwealth Seniors Heath Card
The criteria for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card income test is reviewed and updated on 20 September each year in line with the Consumer Price Index. So if you are not eligible right now you may be in the future. This test considers both your:
- adjusted taxable income
- a deemed amount from account based income streams.
To meet the income test, from 20 September 2021, you must earn no more than the following:
- $57,761 a year if you’re single
- $92,416 a year for couples
- $115,522 a year for couples separated by illness, respite care or prison.
Add $639.60 per year to these amounts for each child in your care.
As mentioned above, no assets test is applied.
why not check your eligibility for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card on our free eligibility calculator
Fantastic thank you
Am I correct in assuming that if you have superannuation in accumulation mode, it is not counted in the income test?
Hi Frances, thanks for reaching out for further clarity regarding how Centrelink assess superannuation. Whether your super is in accumulation or pension phase it is not directly counted in the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card income test. Centrelink will deem that you earn income from the total balance of any pension accounts you have though and the deemed amount will be counted in the income test.
If you or anyone else reading would like to talk about how Centrelink will assess your assets/income in more detail we do offer 30min consultations at a cost of $75. We can clarify how Centrelink will assess you specifically and help guide you on any related matters that might impact your application. If you wish to proceed please CLICK HERE to book the best suitable time available.
I have had the NSW Seniors card for about 12 months and to date have found no one within my normal routine of shopping, Doctors, Chemist that recognise it, so its just a piece of plastic in my wallet ! I have looked at the news sheets and stores who do recognise it and don’t really use of know them.
I stand corrected, I did ask my local IGA and yes they do recognise it but card holders have to shop on one particular day of the week only and within a time frame …they either acknowledge it or they don’t!
That’s a completely different card to the one the article is about!
The Seniors card is not the same as the Seniors Healthcare card.
I would like to have a consult with your organisation . My Husband 68 no income for the last 12 months due to heart attack. No Centrelink or healthcare card and will not go to Centrelink to find out. I work full time on $79k per year. We own our own home and vehicles but are struggling financially on one wage. I need help as this is very stressful. Since the heart attack my husband has lost his wallet and recently his key card. If you are able to help in someway we would be most grateful
Vicki 61 years
Hi Vicki, thank you for reaching out to request a consultation. We’re sorry to hear of your husband’s situation and would be happy to help. We offer 30min consultations at a cost of $75. If you wish to proceed please CLICK HERE to book the best suitable time available.
I am a holder of Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. I recently received information that I am entitled to some benefits towards gas/electricity/water? How do I go about making a claim for such?
I wish to apply for benefits for Electricity and Gas through Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
How do I apply for assistance with gas/electricity etc.through Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Could you please clarify the role of questions 75 – 77 in the application form?
Are they just for information or can the answer to question 77 affect the eligibility when the applicant fails the main income test?
Hi Alexander, you are right that Centrelink’s claim forms can be tricky to follow and understand. This is why we created our easy to use online experience so we can help complete these forms for our customers. Sounds like you have almost finished the form yourself though so rather then help with the entire claim we’d be happy to have a phone consultation with you to clarify the questions you’ve raised as well as any others you might have.
If you or anyone else reading this would like to speak with one of our specialists to answer your questions we offer 30min consultations at a cost of $75. If you wish to proceed please CLICK HERE to book the best suitable time available.
Whilst I was disappointed to not qualify for an aged pension, this CSHC card softened the blow somewhat. I’ve had it for several years (ps it’s not just a piece of plastic, in fact not even a piece of plastic like credit cards etc).
The CSHC qualifies me for the pension rate on pharmaceuticals (PBS) and also the safety net. A fair few bucks saved there. No, most Doctors and Surgeons, and other health car providers don’t accept it. Nor does it qualify for discounted council rates, rego, gas, water etc like the aged pension does. But you can get $200 from Service NSW towards electricity bills, and you do qualify for the annual NSW Seniors Travel Card worth $250 towards fuel, and/or a couple of other travel related costs (2022 applications begin on 17/1/22, again through Service NSW)
Can the C’wlth Seniors card be used for rail travel.
I had a Seniors Healthcare card when I retired but lost it after the Abbot/ Hockey government changed the income test rules. I lost it when I wanted to rollover some maturing life insurance policies into super. To do this the Tax Office made me get a temporary job. The extra income from this job caused me to lose my Seniors Healthcare card and fail the new income test.
I am not surprised only 22% of self-funded retirees have a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. The remaining 78% are the smart ones. Unless you spend a lot on PBS medicine, it is a waste of time applying. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of applying. Too much information for little to no benefit. It’s almost like the government is scamming you to get your information.