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Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) helps senior Australians with the cost of certain health and other services.



Changes to the adjusted taxable income test for Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

From 1 July 2009 there are changes to how certain types of income affect eligibility for the CSHC. Depending on your circumstances, the changes may impact on your eligibility for a CSHC.

From 1 July 2009 the adjusted taxable income test for CSHC includes:

  • Total net investment losses are the sum of net losses from rental property income plus net losses from financial investment income. Investment losses from rental properties are already included in the adjusted taxable income test for the CSHC. From 1 July 2009 the income test also includes the amount lost by other investments. Together, net losses from rental property income and net losses from financial investments are known as total net investment losses.
  • Reportable superannuation contributions are discretionary or voluntary contributions. They can also be referred to as ‘concessional’ or ‘before tax contributions’. They include:
    • reportable employer superannuation contributions, such as voluntary salary sacrificed contributions. These contributions are on top of those required by law, such as those included in industrial awards or by the superannuation guarantee levy (currently 9 per cent), and
    • personal deductible superannuation contributions, if they can be claimed as a tax deduction on a personal tax return.

Please note: Post-tax contributions to superannuation are not reportable superannuation contributions.

Why are the changes being made?

The changes are being made to make sure that families and individuals have their income assessed in the same way, regardless of how they receive their income or how they choose to invest their money.

What do I need to do?

If you are a current Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder, you will receive a review form in the mail. On the form you will be asked to provide:

  • an estimate of your and your partner’s income for 2009-10, and
  • your and your partner’s Tax File Number, if you haven’t already done so.

From this information, Centrelink will determine whether you will still be entitled to a card from 1 July 2009.

The form needs to be returned by the due date, which is printed on the form. If you do not return the form, your card may be cancelled.

For more information, call the Centrelink Retirement Line on 13 2300 or ask at a Centrelink Customer Service Centre.

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What does a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card do?

A Commonwealth Seniors Health Card helps with the cost of prescription medicines and other services (as listed below) if you are of Age Pension age but do not qualify for Age Pension.

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Do I qualify for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card?

To qualify, you must:

  • be an Australian resident, living in Australia, and
  • not subject to a newly arrived residents waiting period, and
  • have reached age pension age but do not qualify for Age Pension (or do not receive certain other Social Security/Veteran Affairs pensions/benefits)
  • provide Centrelink with your and your partner's tax file number or be granted an exemption from providing your and your partner's tax file number, and
  • have an annual adjusted taxable income* of:
    • less than $50,000 (singles)
    • less than $80,000 (couples combined), or
    • less than $100,000 (couples combined who are separated due to ill health).
    • The limit is increased by $639.60 for each dependent child you care for.

* 'Adjusted taxable income' is your taxable income plus net rental property loss, target foreign income (foreign income not normally taxed in Australia including fringe benefits) and employer provided fringe benefits in Australia.

Note: Dependants of Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders are not eligible for concessions using the cardholder's card.

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What services does the card help me with?

You will get a discount on prescription medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). You may also need to present your Medicare Card when you purchase PBS medicines.

Other services may include:

  • Bulk-billed GP appointments, at the discretion of the GP (the Australian Government provides financial incentives for GPs to bulk-bill concession card holders).
  • a reduction in the cost of out-of-hospital medical expenses above a concessional threshold, through Medicare Safety Net.
  • in some instances, additional health, household, transport, education and recreation concessions which may be offered by State or Territory and local governments and private providers. Note: these providers offer these concessions at their own discretion, and the availability of these concessions may vary from state to state.

You may also be entitled to receive the following allowances:

  • Seniors Concession Allowance - a non-taxable payment made every 6 months to help with regular bills such as energy, rates and motor vehicle registration fees that are not available at a concessional rate.
  • Telephone Allowance - if you have a telephone connected in Australia in your own or your partner's name.

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How can I register an Intent to Claim?

You can register an Intent to Claim for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. This will ensure you are granted a card from the earliest possible date, if you qualify.

Once you have registered your Intent to Claim, a Centrelink Customer Service Officer will contact you within 2 days to assist you with your claim and send you a claim form.

If you cannot register yourself, someone else can do it for you, so you can register your Intent to Claim as soon as possible.

For how to register and more information, refer to Intent to Claim.

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How do I claim a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card?

To claim your Commonwealth Seniors Health Card you need to lodge a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card claim form. Couples can lodge their claims on 1 claim form.

Each person claiming a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card must provide:

  • a minimum of 50 points of identity and proof of Australian Residence
  • proof of their income.

Please Note: You cannot lodge a claim before you have reached Age Pension age.


How do I find out more?

For more information:

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