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James Coyle
James has over 35 years experience in financial services with particular expertise in two of the key components of retirement finance - Superannuation and the Age Pension. He is passionate about providing the guidance and support that can help older Australians enjoy their best possible retirement. He lives in regional Victoria surrounded by dogs and chooks.
Fantastic thank you
Am I correct in assuming that if you have superannuation in accumulation mode, it is not counted in the income test?
Hi Frances, thanks for reaching out for further clarity regarding how Centrelink assess superannuation. Whether your super is in accumulation or pension phase it is not directly counted in the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card income test. Centrelink will deem that you earn income from the total balance of any pension accounts you have though and the deemed amount will be counted in the income test.
If you or anyone else reading would like to talk about how Centrelink will assess your assets/income in more detail we do offer 30min consultations at a cost of $75. We can clarify how Centrelink will assess you specifically and help guide you on any related matters that might impact your application. If you wish to proceed please CLICK HERE to book the best suitable time available.
I have had the NSW Seniors card for about 12 months and to date have found no one within my normal routine of shopping, Doctors, Chemist that recognise it, so its just a piece of plastic in my wallet ! I have looked at the news sheets and stores who do recognise it and don’t really use of know them.
I stand corrected, I did ask my local IGA and yes they do recognise it but card holders have to shop on one particular day of the week only and within a time frame …they either acknowledge it or they don’t!
That’s a completely different card to the one the article is about!
The Seniors card is not the same as the Seniors Healthcare card.
I would like to have a consult with your organisation . My Husband 68 no income for the last 12 months due to heart attack. No Centrelink or healthcare card and will not go to Centrelink to find out. I work full time on $79k per year. We own our own home and vehicles but are struggling financially on one wage. I need help as this is very stressful. Since the heart attack my husband has lost his wallet and recently his key card. If you are able to help in someway we would be most grateful
Vicki 61 years
Hi Vicki, thank you for reaching out to request a consultation. We’re sorry to hear of your husband’s situation and would be happy to help. We offer 30min consultations at a cost of $75. If you wish to proceed please CLICK HERE to book the best suitable time available.
I am a holder of Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. I recently received information that I am entitled to some benefits towards gas/electricity/water? How do I go about making a claim for such?
I wish to apply for benefits for Electricity and Gas through Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
How do I apply for assistance with gas/electricity etc.through Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Could you please clarify the role of questions 75 – 77 in the application form?
Are they just for information or can the answer to question 77 affect the eligibility when the applicant fails the main income test?
Hi Alexander, you are right that Centrelink’s claim forms can be tricky to follow and understand. This is why we created our easy to use online experience so we can help complete these forms for our customers. Sounds like you have almost finished the form yourself though so rather then help with the entire claim we’d be happy to have a phone consultation with you to clarify the questions you’ve raised as well as any others you might have.
If you or anyone else reading this would like to speak with one of our specialists to answer your questions we offer 30min consultations at a cost of $75. If you wish to proceed please CLICK HERE to book the best suitable time available.
Whilst I was disappointed to not qualify for an aged pension, this CSHC card softened the blow somewhat. I’ve had it for several years (ps it’s not just a piece of plastic, in fact not even a piece of plastic like credit cards etc).
The CSHC qualifies me for the pension rate on pharmaceuticals (PBS) and also the safety net. A fair few bucks saved there. No, most Doctors and Surgeons, and other health car providers don’t accept it. Nor does it qualify for discounted council rates, rego, gas, water etc like the aged pension does. But you can get $200 from Service NSW towards electricity bills, and you do qualify for the annual NSW Seniors Travel Card worth $250 towards fuel, and/or a couple of other travel related costs (2022 applications begin on 17/1/22, again through Service NSW)
Can the C’wlth Seniors card be used for rail travel.
I had a Seniors Healthcare card when I retired but lost it after the Abbot/ Hockey government changed the income test rules. I lost it when I wanted to rollover some maturing life insurance policies into super. To do this the Tax Office made me get a temporary job. The extra income from this job caused me to lose my Seniors Healthcare card and fail the new income test.
I am not surprised only 22% of self-funded retirees have a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. The remaining 78% are the smart ones. Unless you spend a lot on PBS medicine, it is a waste of time applying. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of applying. Too much information for little to no benefit. It’s almost like the government is scamming you to get your information.