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Stimulus Package – Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card

By The Muirfield Team | March 24, 2020 |

We have been pro-active in recommending our clients apply for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card (CSHC) where they do not qualify for an Age Pension.  In particular, it is useful for those on medication due to the savings under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.  Outside of the pharmaceutical discounts the concessions are quite limited, however, a further benefit is now available as a result of the Coronavirus stimulus package.

Those who have held the Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card at any time from 12 March to 13 April 2020, will be eligible for the recently announced support payment. Eligible cardholders will receive two stimulus package installments of $750, one from March 31 and the other from July 13.  That’s a total of $1,500 for singles and $3,000 for eligible couples, a welcomed bonus during such volatile times.

To be eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card, you must be 66 or older, and have adjusted taxable income and deemed income from Account-Based Pensions totaling less than:

  • $55,808 per year, if you’re a single.
  • $89,290 per year, if you’re a couple; and,
  • $111,616 a year for couples separated by illness.

It is important to note there is no assets test and that if you hold an Account-based Pension product, the balance of this fund will be deemed for income testing purposes.  The amount you draw as a regular pension is not counted in this income test.

Should you or your friends not hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card we strongly recommend you consider applying prior to April 13. Centrelink can take 3 months to process your application (this will likely to be extended in current circumstances), however your card eligibility is back dated to the date you submit your application. Thus, you will receive the stimulus package payments once your application has been approved.

Application for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card can be completed via your MyGov portal, alternatively the application form can be found here

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Posted in Centrelink, Retirement Planning

14 Comments

  1. Neville Chandler on April 3, 2020 at 8:12 pm

    To apply for the CSHCC on line, what is the email address you send it to, as it will be a bundle of documents and of course one will have to label the email with your centrelink number, won’t they

    Reply
    • The Muirfield Team on April 8, 2020 at 3:45 pm

      Hi Neville, the Centrelink online application process has a section where you can upload any requested documents. Centrelink don’t have email functionality.

      Reply
  2. Des Gorman on April 4, 2020 at 11:44 am

    Did this mean the $750 payment would be received ON the 31st March or FROM the 31st March? No sign yet

    Reply
    • The Muirfield Team on April 8, 2020 at 3:43 pm

      Hi Des, payments are being made from 31 March so may not come for a couple of weeks. Good pick up.

      Reply
  3. Julie and Dennis Hehir on April 6, 2020 at 6:14 pm

    Thanks guys for this clear and informative update, but mostly for the family pics.
    Gorgeous kids, but not surprising, I have seen some of their parents.
    Stay safe and well all of you.
    Julie and Dennis Hehir.

    Reply
    • The Muirfield Team on April 8, 2020 at 3:43 pm

      Thanks Julie and Dennis, very kind and generous words on all fronts. Andrew

      Reply
  4. Lynda Moynahan on April 16, 2020 at 3:53 pm

    Well I have a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and did not receive the stimulus package. I feel they should not state you will receive it and then not give it to you.

    Reply
    • The Muirfield Team on April 21, 2020 at 8:08 am

      Hi Lynda

      You may not have received the payment because Centrelink didn’t have you bank details.

      I suggest logging into MyGov and providing your bank details or giving Centrelink a call.

      All the best

      Courtney Robinson

      Reply
    • Malcolm Hawkins on July 7, 2021 at 8:53 am

      Hi I received my Seniors Health Care Card in June of 2021,it wanted me to update my bank details to receive a one-time payment of $750, I haven’t received it as yet and just wondering if I was actually entitled to it. Thanks Mal

      Reply
      • The Muirfield Team on July 21, 2021 at 1:40 pm

        Hi Malcolm

        We’ve seen issues similar to this before. I suggest you call Centrelink to confirm your bank details. Provided they have the correct details it should come through, these things can sometimes take time.

        All the best

        Courtney Robinson.

        Reply
  5. Sat Bagga on May 31, 2020 at 1:17 pm

    I received my Commonwealth health card in May which is otherwise valid from 17 April.
    Am I eligible for stimulus ?

    Reply
    • The Muirfield Team on June 9, 2020 at 1:32 pm

      Hi there

      The rules state that you need to have held a valid Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card by 13 April 2020 to be eligible for the initial stimulus payment.

      I trust this answers your question

      All the best

      Reply
  6. Margaret Katz on July 7, 2020 at 2:15 pm

    Not receiving pension but have CSHC am I eligible for stimulus package?Margaret

    Reply
    • The Muirfield Team on July 8, 2020 at 2:11 pm

      Hi Margaret

      If you held the Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card at any time from 12 March to 13 April 2020, you should receive the $750 stimulus payment.

      All the best

      Courtney

      Reply

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