Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Income Test 2026: Are You Eligible?

Updated April 2026 · General information only

TL;DR

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) is a government concession card for self-funded retirees who have reached Age Pension age but don't receive the Age Pension. It is income-tested — with no assets test — and unlocks PBS concessional prescription rates, lower PBS Safety Net thresholds, and a range of state and territory concessions. If you're a retiree managing your own savings and super, the CSHC could meaningfully reduce your day-to-day healthcare and household costs.

What Is the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card?

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) is a concession card issued by Services Australia. It's specifically designed for older Australians who fund their own retirement and don't qualify for the Age Pension or other income support payments. If you've built your own nest egg through superannuation, investments, or savings, the CSHC is the government's way of ensuring you still have access to affordable healthcare and essential concessions.

Unlike the Pensioner Concession Card — which is automatically issued to Age Pension recipients — the CSHC requires a separate application and has its own income test. However, since changes introduced in late 2022, there is no assets test for the CSHC. This was a significant shift that opened the card up to many more self-funded retirees who were previously excluded due to the value of their home, investments, or super balance.

The card itself is a physical card you can present at pharmacies, GP clinics, and state government offices to access a range of discounts and concessions. It's renewed automatically each year, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria and lodge your tax return (or non-lodgement advice) on time.

Eligibility: Who Can Get the CSHC?

To qualify for the CSHC, you need to meet all of the following criteria:

Income Test Thresholds (2026)

The income test is based on your adjusted taxable income (ATI), which includes taxable income, reportable superannuation contributions, net investment losses, reportable fringe benefits, certain foreign income, and tax-free government pensions.

Thresholds as of April 2026, subject to change. Source: Services Australia (
)

Important notes on income:

• Account-based pension (ABP) income is included in your ATI since 1 January 2015. If you draw down from an account-based pension, that amount counts towards the income test.

• Deemed income from financial investments is not used for the CSHC — unlike the Age Pension income test, the CSHC uses your actual adjusted taxable income as reported to the ATO.

• If you are part of a couple, both partners' incomes are combined regardless of whether only one person is applying.

What Benefits Does the CSHC Provide?

The CSHC unlocks a range of Commonwealth and state/territory concessions. Here's what you may be eligible for:

Commonwealth Benefits

State and Territory Concessions

The CSHC also unlocks a range of concessions that vary by state and territory. These can include:

• Energy bill rebates — Many states offer electricity and/or gas concessions to CSHC holders. The amount and structure vary significantly. For example, NSW offers the Low Income Household Rebate, while Victoria has the Victorian Energy Compare program. Check your state's concessions page or
to see what's available in your area.

• Water and sewerage concessions — Available in most states for eligible concession card holders.

• Council rates reductions — Some local councils offer rate rebates or deferrals for CSHC holders.

• Public transport concessions — Discounted or free travel on public transport in most states.

• Vehicle registration discounts — Available in some jurisdictions.

• Spectacles and dental — Some states provide subsidised dental care or spectacle programs for concession card holders.

How to Apply for the CSHC

Applying for the CSHC is straightforward but does require some documentation. Here's a step-by-step overview:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, confirm that you:

• Have reached Age Pension age (67+)

• Are not receiving an income support payment

• Have an adjusted taxable income below the relevant threshold

You can use the
to check your eligibility.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You'll need:

• Proof of identity (Australian passport, driver's licence, or birth certificate)

• Your Tax Notice of Assessment (or non-lodgement advice from the ATO) for the relevant financial year

• Details of your income, including superannuation income streams

• Your partner's income details (if applicable)

• Bank account details for any payments (such as the Utilities Allowance)

Step 3: Submit Your Application

You can apply:

• Online via your
linked to Centrelink

• In person at a Services Australia (Centrelink) office

• By post using the *Claim for Commonwealth Seniors Health Card* form (SA296), available from the Services Australia website

Step 4: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary, but you should allow several weeks. You'll receive your card by post once approved.

Step 5: Renew Annually

The CSHC doesn't expire on a set date, but Services Australia reviews your eligibility each year based on your tax return. You must lodge your tax return (or provide a non-lodgement advice) each year to keep the card active.

Tips for Getting the Most From Your CSHC

1. Understand How Account-Based Pension Income Affects Your ATI

If you draw an income stream from an account-based pension (ABP) in super, the gross amount counts towards your adjusted taxable income. For some self-funded retirees, this can push them close to or over the threshold. Consider speaking with a licensed financial adviser about drawdown strategies that may help you stay within the income limits — particularly if you're just above the threshold.

2. Check Your State's Concession Register

State and territory concessions can add up to hundreds of dollars per year, but they aren't always automatically applied. You may need to contact your energy retailer, water authority, or local council separately to register your concession card. Don't leave money on the table — check your state government's concessions page and ensure every eligible rebate is active on your accounts.

3. Couples — Consider the Combined Income Carefully

The couple threshold ($161,768 combined) applies to both partners' incomes together, even if only one partner has reached Age Pension age. If one partner is still working or has significant investment income, this may affect your eligibility. Plan ahead, particularly around the end of the financial year.

Related Benefits Worth Knowing About

The CSHC sits alongside several other government concessions. Depending on your circumstances, you may also want to explore:

• Age Pension — If your income or assets have changed, you may now qualify for a part or full Age Pension. The Age Pension includes a Pensioner Concession Card with even broader benefits. Check eligibility via Services Australia.

• PBS Safety Net — Whether or not you hold a CSHC, tracking your PBS co-payments towards the Safety Net threshold can save you money in the second half of the year. See our
for details.

• Medicare Safety Net — Separate from the PBS Safety Net, this covers out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-eligible services. Learn more in our
.

• Rent Assistance — CSHC holders who rent their home may be eligible for Commonwealth Rent Assistance, a fortnightly payment to help with rental costs.

• Low Income Health Care Card — If you have a dependent or partner who doesn't qualify for the CSHC, they may qualify for a Low Income Health Care Card with similar PBS and concession benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Since changes introduced in late 2022, there is no assets test for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. Your eligibility is based solely on your adjusted taxable income (ATI) and meeting the age and residency requirements.

Adjusted taxable income (ATI) includes your taxable income plus reportable superannuation contributions, net investment losses, reportable fringe benefits, certain foreign income, and tax-free government pensions or benefits. Account-based pension income is also included. It's broader than your standard taxable income, so check carefully before applying.

Yes, you can apply as a single applicant even if your partner hasn't reached Age Pension age. However, if your partner is also of Age Pension age and you apply as a couple, both incomes are combined against the couple threshold ($161,768 combined per year).

CSHC holders pay the PBS concessional co-payment rate of $7.70 per script, compared to $25.00 for general patients. If you fill multiple prescriptions per month, the savings add up quickly. Once your annual co-payments reach the concessional Safety Net threshold of $277.20, your PBS prescriptions become free for the rest of the calendar year.

Services Australia checks your income each year via the ATO. If you don't lodge a tax return and don't provide a non-lodgement advice, your card may be cancelled. Make sure you lodge on time or contact the ATO to submit a non-lodgement advice if you're not required to lodge.

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Explore government benefits you may be eligible for at
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General information only, not personal financial advice. Income thresholds and benefit amounts are based on publicly available information from Services Australia and the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care as of April 2026 and are subject to change. Verify current figures at
. Consult a licensed financial adviser for advice tailored to your personal circumstances.