1.2.8.30 Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) - Description

Purpose of CSHC

The main purpose of the CSHC is to assist self-funded retirees of age pension age with certain living costs by providing access to Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme prescription items and certain Medicare services, at a cheaper rate, seniors supplement and concessional travel on Great Southern Rail services.

Who receives a CSHC

The CSHC is targeted at older Australians of age pension age who meet certain eligibility criteria. To qualify for a CSHC, a person must:

• not be receiving an income support payment from Centrelink or the DVA, and
• be an Australian resident, and
• meet an income test. A person's adjusted taxable income must be:
  • under $50,000 per annum (single), or
  • under $80,000 per annum (couple, combined income), or
  • under $100,000 combined for couples separated due to certain circumstances (e.g. illness),
  • $639.60 is added to the above limits for each dependant child.

Act reference: SSAct section 1061ZG(1) Qualification for CSHC, section 1071 Seniors Health Card Taxable Income Test Calculator

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Last reviewed: 21 September 2009