Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
A concession card for self-funded retirees who miss out on the Age Pension, subject only to an income test.
The card is aimed at retirees over Age Pension age who do not qualify for the Age Pension. It provides cheaper prescriptions under the PBS and various state and provider concessions.
Eligibility depends on an income test only — there is no assets test. That makes it accessible to retirees with substantial assets but modest assessable income.
Assessable income includes adjusted taxable income plus deemed income from account-based pensions started after 2015. Grandfathered pensions may be excluded.
The income thresholds were substantially increased in recent years, bringing many more self-funded retirees into eligibility. Anyone who was assessed as ineligible some years ago is worth reassessing against the current figures.
Why it matters without a pension
A self-funded retiree with significant assets but low assessable income can still qualify, saving substantially on prescriptions and utilities each year.
The bit people get wrong
Because there is no assets test, many self-funded retirees assume they cannot qualify and never apply. Wealthy retirees with low assessable income are precisely who it is designed for.
Common questions
Is there an assets test?
No. Only an income test applies, which is what makes the card accessible to asset-rich but income-modest retirees.
What does the card provide?
Cheaper PBS prescriptions, a higher Medicare safety net threshold, and various state, council and utility concessions that vary by jurisdiction.
Do I need to reapply?
Entitlement is reviewed periodically against income, and the card is reissued automatically while you remain eligible. Keeping your contact and income details current with Services Australia avoids an unnecessary interruption, since reinstating a lapsed card takes longer than maintaining an existing one.