Centrelink Concessions – Are you eligible?

Centrelink issues several types of concession and health care cards, which provide a range of benefits to card holders.

You may be eligible for the benefits below without realising it so we encourage you to contact us to make sure you are not missing out on anything (you may even be able to get more than one at the same time!).

Pensioner Concession Card

For anyone in receipt of a Centrelink pension, the Pensioner Concession Card is automatically granted. This provides you with reduced medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) as well as reduction on council rates, utilities and public transport. It is important to note the provided concessions via the Pensioner Concession Card are different in each State and Territory and vary between local councils.

Low Income Health Care Card

This concession provides similar benefits as the Pensioner Concession Card which is available for people who are not entitled to any fortnightly pension entitlements.  No asset test applies however income must be below $816 per week (for a couple, no children).  This limit varies depending on whether you are single, partnered or have dependants.  Centrelink’s definition of income includes employment income, salary sacrifice, deemed income from financial investments and income less deductible amount from Superannuation Pensions.

Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card

People who are of Age Pension age but do not qualify for pension may be entitled to the Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card. To qualify your annual taxable income must be under $50,000 for singles and $80,000 for couples. No asset test applies.  Benefits include, reduced pharmaceutical benefits as well as an annual non taxable Seniors Supplement of $816.40 for singles and $1,232.40 for couples paid quarterly.

It is important to note many people are eligible for both the Low Income Health Care Card and the Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card.

If you are in receipt of one of these cards we encourage you to contact our office to ensure you are not missing out on any additional benefits.