Ex Carer Allowance (caring for a child under 16 years) Health Care Card

An ex Carer Allowance (caring for a child under 16 years) Health Care Card entitles you to cheaper medicines and some other concessions.

Note: This card has been available since 1 October 2007.

On this page

• Eligibility
• Entitlements
• Claiming
• Find out more

Eligibility

You can get an ex Carer Allowance (caring for a child under 16 years) Health Care Card if you:

• are aged between 16–25 years
• are a full-time student
• were receiving a Carer Allowance Health Care Card on the day before your 16th birthday
• are an Australian resident living in Australia
• are not subject to a newly arrived resident's waiting period.

Note: This card is not means tested.

Entitlements

The ex Carer Allowance (caring for a child under 16 years) 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 between States and Territories. Please check with the organisation providing the concession.

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

Claiming

To claim the ex Carer Allowance (caring for a child under 16 years) Health Care Card you need to lodge a claim form.

You also can register an intent to claim for the card. This will ensure you are granted your card from the earliest possible date.

Once you submit your claim, you must also provide proof of identity and Australian residence.

For a claim form, you can:

• print out the application for a Health Care Card for former recipients of a Carer Allowance Health Card Card form
• phone us on 13 2717
• visit your nearest Centrelink Customer Service Centre.

Outcome of your claim

If you are eligible, your ex Carer Allowance (caring for a child under 16 years) Health Care Card will be sent to you in the mail.

Your card is valid for 12 months from the date you lodged your claim.

A month before your card is due to expire, we will send you a letter asking you to contact us 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.

Find out more

For more information about what concessions are available in your State or Territory, refer to:

• A guide to Centrelink concession cards booklet

Other websites

• australia.gov.au - States and Territories
• Medicare Australia - Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

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