Pensioner and Commonwealth Senior Concession Cards

Seniors Concession Cards

We focus below on two cards provided by the Federal Government; the Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) and the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC), comparing the requirements for eligibility and making available a comparison of benefits. This is a summary of the more comprehensive information provided the Department of Human Services website and we concentrate on those individuals whose access to the cards is a function of their age, not other social security support provisions or Veteran benefits.

Pensioner Concession Card (PCC)

Eligibility

A. You are in receipt of the Age pension, or

B. You are aged 60 years or older and for more than 9 months have been receiving:

  • Newstart Allowance
  • Parenting Payment partnered
  • Partner Allowance
  • Sickness Allowance
  • Special Benefit, or
  • Widow Allowance

Period of Issue

2 Years, and reissued on cardholder’s birthday every 2 years, if eligible

Benefits

 Primarily access to reduced medicine costs under PBS scheme, bulk billed doctors, reduced medical expenses above a certain threshold and access to additional health, household, transport, education and recreation concessions provided by State/Territory Governments.

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC)

Eligibility

A. You have reached Age pension age, and

B. You do not qualify for a Centrelink payment or for a payment by Veteran Affairs, and

C. You meet the Income Test - there is no Assets test. The test will look at both your "adjusted taxable income" and a deemed amount from account based income streams.

The current taxable income limits, which were substantially increased effective from November 4, 2022 are:

  • $90,000 a year for singles 
  • $144,000 a year for couples
  • $180,000 a year for couples separated by illness, respite care or prison

Note: If you lost your Age pension on January 1, 2017 because of new Asset test rules the Government announced that you would automatically get a non-income tested:

  • Low Income Health Care Card, and
  • Commonwealth Seniors Health Card if you are age pension age

Period of Issue

1 Year, and reissued each year in August, if eligible

Benefits

 Primarily access to reduced medicine costs under PBS scheme, bulk billed doctors, reduced medical expenses above a certain threshold and, in certain instances, access to additional health, household, transport, education and recreation concessions provided by State/Territory Governments. Generally, these concessions are less widely available and more significant than those available to PCC holders.

A comparison of the benefits provide by both the PCC and CSHS, plus links to State Government Concessions is included in the Australian Concession Card Comparison we have prepared.

Pensioner Concession Card Comparison

If you would like to arrange professional advice in relation to the above matters, please complete the Inquiry form below providing details and you will be contacted accordingly. You will receive a fee quotation in advance of any advice or services being provided.

Please note prior to making any Inquiry: Financial regulations regarding the provision of specific advice mean that it is impossible for us to provide assistance unless it is provided as part of professional advice for which fees will apply. If your circumstances are not complex and don't require paid professional advice you should direct any queries directly to Centrelink.