logo-Centrelink

Concession and Health Care Cards

Centrelink issues 3 types of concession cards that provide a range of benefits to cardholders.

  • If you are on a Centrelink Pension or payment, such as Parenting Payment (single), you may be eligible for a Pensioner Concession Card
  • For people who are of age pension age but do not qualify for the pension, you may be able to get a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or a low income HCC.
  • A Health Care Card (HCC) may be automatically issued with many Centrelink payments (i.e Newstart Allowance, Family Tax Benefit) and there are also Health Care Cards which are not automatically issued but must be applied for including; foster child HCC, ex Carer Allowance (child) HCC and the low income HCC.

You must meet residence requirements to get a concession card.

All 3 cards entitle you to reduced cost medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). A Health Care Card and Pensioner Concession card may also entitle you to a range of additional subsidies including health, transport and educational concessions. These concessions are the responsibility of the provider and may vary from state to state.

Lost cards

If you lose or misplace your card, you should contact Centrelink to organise a new card to be sent to you. They cannot be issued over the counter. Until a replacement card is sent to you, a Confirmation of Concession Card Entitlement form, valid for 2 weeks, can be issued over the counter. This is done if you are entitled to a card and have an urgent need for a particular concession. Please note this form may not be accepted for some transport concessions.

Where can I find more information ?

For more information about eligibility and what concessions are available, please choose the card type below.

Did you find what you were looking for? You can also try the A-Z list, quick links, search, site help, we speak your language or send us feedback on how to make this a better website.

Return to Top