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Ex Carer Allowance (child) Health Care Card

An Ex Carer Allowance (child) Health Care Card entitles you to cheaper medicines and some other concessions.

A link to information about a service, program or publication. Note: This card is available from 1 October 2007. You can claim or register an intent to claim from this date.



Do I qualify?

You can get an Ex Carer Allowance (child) Health Care Card if you:

  • are between 16-25 years old
  • are a full-time student
  • were in receipt of a Carer Allowance Health Care Card on the day before your sixteenth birthday
  • are an Australian resident living in Australia
  • are not subject to a newly arrived residents waiting period.

Note: This card is not means tested.

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What does it entitle me to?

The Ex Carer Allowance (child) Health Care Card entitles you to cheaper medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

You may also be entitled to some extra concessions from state and local government authorities. Health Care Card concessions vary from state to state. Please check with the organisation providing the concession. For more information, go to the www.australia.gov.au website.

Note: When using services covered by Medicare you will need to show your Medicare Card.

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How do I claim?

To claim the Ex Carer Allowance (child) Health Care Card you need to lodge a claim form.

Each person must provide a minimum of 50 points of identity and proof of Australian Residence.

From 1 October 2007, you can also get a claim form by:

Intent to Claim

You can register an intent to claim for the Ex Carer Allowance (child) Health Care Card. This will ensure you are granted a card from the earliest possible date.

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, go to Intent to Claim.

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When will I receive it and how long will it last?

Your Ex Carer Allowance (child) Health Care Card will be sent to you when your claim is granted.

Your card will be valid for a 12 month period starting from the date you lodged your claim.

One month before your card is due to expire, we will send you a letter asking you to contact Centrelink if you are still a full-time student and want to re-apply.

Note: The card is issued in the name of the student only.

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How do I find out more?

For more information about what concessions are available in the state or territory you live in:

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