• Cheaper medicines under the PBS
  Prescription costs can really feel like they add up quickly. The CSHC provides you with a lower co-payment for prescription medicines listed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). If you reach the annual PBS Safety Net, you may be able to get eligible medicines free of charge for the rest of the year, meaning less out of your pocket every time you fill a script. For people who take regular medications, this is often the most valuable part of the card.
• Cheaper medical costs
  A CSHC will help you reach the Medicare Safety Net sooner because the threshold for out-of-hospital medical expenses is much lower for card holders. So medical services listed on the Medical Benefits Schedule, like blood tests and scans, can be cheaper or 100% covered by Medicare if you need them more often.
• State and territory concessions
  These vary depending on where you live, but can include discounts on council rates, utilities, public transport, and vehicle registration. Check with your state or territory government or local council to see what’s available for you. 

You may be eligible if you are:

• 67 years or older
• an Australian resident
• not currently receiving the Age Pension or another qualifying government payment
• able to meet the income test (see below)

If you don't have a passport or driver's licence, Centrelink accepts other forms of identity. Contact Centrelink on 132 300 before you start your application, and they can advise on what's accepted in your situation.

Residency documentation requirements can vary. If you've lived outside Australia for extended periods, check the government’s residence rules for CSHC here before you begin.

Centrelink provides help over the phone for multilingual and older Australians. Call for help with your CSHC application, or if you have questions about your eligibility.

• Centrelink Older Australians Line: 132 300
  Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm.
• Centrelink Multilingual Phone Service: 131 202
  Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm

Go to my.gov.au and sign in or create an account if you don't already have one. Once you're logged in, select 'Link a service' and choose ‘Centrelink’. You'll be asked for your Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN). If you don't have one, Centrelink will guide you through getting one, which is a one-time process.

From your Centrelink online services homepage, select 'Make a claim’ or ‘View claim status', then 'Make a claim'. Look for 'Commonwealth Seniors Health Card' under concession cards and select it.

This is the section that takes the most time and care. The CSHC assessment uses adjusted taxable income, which includes:

• your taxable income, from your tax return or estimate
• deemed income from account-based super income streams
• foreign income, including tax exempt income
• reportable fringe benefits
• total net investment losses
• reportable super contributions

Centrelink will show you a summary of your answers before you submit. Check it over - especially your income figures – you can edit and change any answers if needed. To complete your application, you will be asked to upload supporting documents like identification and your most recent ATO Notice of Assessment.  Once you submit, you'll receive a receipt number.

Yes, it renews each year on 1 July, if you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. Centrelink may contact you to confirm your income details.

The test uses your adjusted taxable income, which includes taxable income, reportable fringe benefits, total net investment losses, and deemed income from account-based super income streams. It does not include an assets test. Visit ato.gov.au for current income thresholds.

Yes, each partner applies individually. Your combined income is assessed against the couple income threshold, which is higher than the single threshold.

Yes. You can apply by phone 132 300 or in person at a Services Australia centre. Online is usually the fastest option and lets you track your claim and upload documents straight away, but the other pathways are equally valid.

You need to let Centrelink know. If your income goes over the threshold, your card will be cancelled. If it drops again in a later year, you can reapply.

Processing times vary and Centrelink will advise their current timeframe when you submit. You can track the status of your claim through your Centrelink online services account via my.gov.au.

You can ask Centrelink to review the decision; the process is outlined in the letter you receive. Our super helpful specialists can also help you understand your options, if you are an Aware Super member.^[AD2] 

No, it's much simpler. The Age Pension looks at both your income and your assets, which means more information to provide. The CSHC only looks at income, so the form is shorter and quicker to complete.

No, you can't hold both at the same time. The CSHC is designed for people who miss out on the Age Pension. If you're already receiving the pension, you have equal or better benefits. However, if your Age Pension is cancelled because your income goes over the limit, it's worth applying for the CSHC at that point.