Commonwealth Seniors Health Card — Eligibility and Benefits
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Contents
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) is a concession card for older Australians who have reached Age Pension age but do not qualify for the Age Pension — typically because their income or assets exceed the pension thresholds. It provides access to cheaper medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and other concessions.
What the CSHC Provides
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| PBS concession medicines | Cheaper prescription medicines under the PBS safety net |
| Bulk billing | Some GPs bulk bill CSHC holders (GP’s discretion) |
| Energy supplement | A small fortnightly supplement (approximately $14/fortnight for singles) |
| Telephone Allowance | Additional fortnightly payment if you have a home phone or internet |
| State and territory concessions | Varies by state — may include council rates, utilities, public transport |
| Healthy Savings | Various retailer and health discounts |
Eligibility Requirements
Age
You must have reached Age Pension age (67 for those born on or after 1 January 1957).
Residency
You must be an Australian resident and living in Australia.
Not receiving other income support
You must not be receiving the Age Pension, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, or another qualifying income support payment from Services Australia (if you do, you receive a different concession card — the Pensioner Concession Card).
Income test
The CSHC has an income test but no assets test. This makes it particularly useful for self-funded retirees who have significant assets (e.g., property, investments) but relatively modest income.
Income test thresholds (FY2025–26):
| Status | Annual adjusted taxable income limit |
|---|---|
| Single | ~$95,400 |
| Couple (combined) | ~$152,640 |
| Couple separated due to illness (combined) | ~$190,800 |
Note: thresholds are indexed annually in July. Verify current figures at servicesaustralia.gov.au.
What Counts as Income for the CSHC
The income test for the CSHC uses adjusted taxable income, which includes:
- Taxable income (wages, investment income, rental income)
- Total net investment losses (added back)
- Reportable employer super contributions
- Reportable fringe benefits
- Account-based pension income (deemed income from super pension accounts — since January 2015)
Note that deemed income from account-based pensions is included — so even if your super is in drawdown and you are drawing less than the deeming rate implies, you are still assessed on the deemed amount.
How to Apply
- Reach Age Pension age
- Log in to myGov (my.gov.au) → Centrelink
- Submit a claim for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
- Services Australia will assess your income based on your most recent tax return and/or income estimate
Alternatively, call Services Australia on 132 300 or visit a Centrelink service centre.
The card is renewed annually — you need to confirm your income each year.
CSHC vs Pensioner Concession Card
| Feature | CSHC | Pensioner Concession Card |
|---|---|---|
| Who gets it | Self-funded retirees not on pension | Age Pension, Carer Payment, DSP recipients |
| Assets test | None | Yes (via the pension means test) |
| Income test | Yes (CSHC income test) | Yes (via the pension means test) |
| PBS concessions | Yes | Yes (generally more generous) |
| Medicare Safety Net | Standard net | Lower threshold |
| Energy supplement | Small amount | Included in pension |
The Pensioner Concession Card generally provides more generous concessions, but you only qualify if you receive an eligible payment.
FAQ
Can a self-funded retiree with millions in assets get the CSHC? Possibly — the CSHC has no assets test. If your taxable income (including deemed income from super accounts) is below the income threshold, you may qualify regardless of your asset level. A self-funded retiree with $2 million in super drawing a low income may still qualify if deemed income falls within the threshold.
Does the CSHC affect my tax? No — holding the CSHC does not create a tax liability. The energy supplement may be taxable income; check with the ATO.
Do I need to renew the CSHC? Yes — the card is renewed annually. Services Australia will contact you to confirm your income for the coming year. If your income increases above the threshold, you will no longer be eligible.
See also: Age Pension Guide | Age Pension Eligibility Age
For advice tailored to your retirement situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser via MoneySmart.