Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

Understanding the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

For many Self-Funded Retirees (SFR's) in Australia, the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) provides valuable support with health care costs and living expenses.

It’s a crucial entitlement for Australians of Age Pension age who do not receive the Age Pension because their income or assets exceed the eligibility thresholds.

This guide explains who can get the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, what benefits it offers, how to apply, and how to keep your card once you have it.

Whether you’re planning ahead or assisting someone else, understanding the CSHC can help you manage health care expenses in later life.

What Is the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card?

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is a concession card for older Australians who have reached Age Pension age but do not receive the Age Pension or any other income support payment from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The CSHC gives you access to cheaper prescription medicines and other health-related discounts.

Unlike the Pensioner Concession Card, the CSHC is specifically for self-funded retirees who may have too much income or too many assets to qualify for the Age Pension, but still need help with rising health care costs as they age.

Key Benefits of the CSHC

The CSHC helps eligible older Australians by providing:

• Cheaper prescription medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
• Access to the Medicare Safety Net for higher Medicare benefits after reaching a certain threshold
• Bulk-billed GP appointments at the discretion of your doctor
• Concessions on some state and local government services, such as utility bills and public transport (depending on your state/territory)
• Energy Supplement — a small, ongoing payment to help cover household energy costs

It’s important to check your state or territory for additional concessions linked to your CSHC, as these vary by location and can include council rates, water rates, and more.

Who Can Get a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card?

To be eligible for a CSHC, you must meet all the following requirements:

• You must have reached Age Pension age (currently 67 years for those born on or after 1 January 1957).
• You must not receive any income support payment from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
• You must meet the residency rules — generally, you must be an Australian resident and physically present in Australia at the time you claim.
• Your adjusted taxable income and any deemed income from account-based income streams must be below the annual limits.

Income Test Limits for the CSHC (2024–25)

Situation	Annual Income Limit
Single	$95,400
Couple (combined)	$152,640
Couple separated due to illness	$190,800

Figures shown are for the 2024–25 financial year and are indexed annually on 20 September.

The income test includes your adjusted taxable income (taxable income plus some fringe benefits, superannuation income streams, and certain foreign income) plus any deemed income from account-based income streams.

How the Income Test Works

Centrelink uses your taxable income, but certain amounts are added back in to determine your total income for the card. This includes:

• Taxable income from work, business, or investments
• Foreign income (even if it’s not taxed in Australia)
• Employer-provided fringe benefits
• Reportable superannuation contributions
• Deemed income from account-based income streams that started after 1 January 2015

Centrelink uses standard deeming rates to work out how much income you’re earning from these investments, regardless of your actual earnings.

How to Apply for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

Applying for the CSHC is generally straightforward. You can lodge your claim online through myGov, by phone, or by visiting a Centrelink service centre.

Steps to Apply:

• Set up a myGov account if you don’t already have one and link it to Centrelink.
• Log in to your myGov and select “Make a claim”.
• Choose “Concession Cards” and select the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
• Answer the eligibility questions and complete the form. You’ll be asked for details about your income, superannuation, and any other relevant financial information.
• Submit any required supporting documents, such as tax returns or account-based pension statements.

What You’ll Need:

• Proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, Medicare card)
• Your tax file number
• Details of income from all sources
• Account-based pension details (if applicable)

If you prefer, you can apply in person at a Centrelink service centre or by calling Centrelink on 132 300 for help over the phone.

How Long Does It Take?

Processing times can vary, but most CSHC applications are finalised within a few weeks — provided you submit all required documents promptly. If Centrelink needs more information, they will contact you via your myGov inbox, phone, or post.

Once your card is approved, it will be sent to your postal address. You can start using it as soon as you receive it.

Using Your Card

Your CSHC can be used immediately to claim concessions. Show it when you visit your doctor, pharmacy, or any other provider that offers CSHC discounts.

Always keep your details up to date with Centrelink to avoid issues with your entitlements.

What Happens If Your Income Changes?

You must report any changes to your income that could affect your eligibility. Centrelink may conduct periodic reviews, so always ensure you lodge updated tax returns and provide any other requested information.

If your income rises above the limit, you must notify Centrelink. Your card may be cancelled, but you can reapply if your income later drops below the threshold.

Additional State and Territory Benefits

In addition to federal concessions, many states and territories provide extra benefits for CSHC holders. These can include:

• Discounts on electricity, gas, and water bills
• Council rate rebates
• Driver’s licence renewals at reduced rates
• Public transport concessions

These benefits vary by location, so check with your local government to see what’s available to you.

The Energy Supplement

As a CSHC holder, you’ll also receive the Energy Supplement — a small, ongoing payment to help with energy costs. This is automatically paid with your other entitlements.

What If You’re Receiving DVA Payments?

If you receive certain Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) payments, you may not be eligible for the CSHC because you may already hold a Gold Card or Pensioner Concession Card through DVA, which provides similar or better benefits.

Always check with DVA or Centrelink if you’re unsure.

Travelling Overseas

You can keep your CSHC while travelling overseas for short periods, but you must remain an Australian resident. Extended absences or moves overseas may affect your eligibility, so always notify Centrelink before travelling.

Final Thoughts on the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card can make a significant difference to your cost of living if you’re a self-funded retiree. It provides access to cheaper medicines, higher Medicare benefits, and possible discounts on household expenses.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, applying for the CSHC is simple — and the financial relief it provides can be well worth the effort. For personalised help, contact Centrelink’s Financial Information Service or speak with your financial adviser to understand how your income streams may affect your eligibility.

At OMS Group, we’re here to help you make sense of your entitlements so you can live with confidence in retirement. Stay informed, stay organised, and make the most of the benefits you’ve earned.