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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.

8 Comments

Josie W on September 13, 2022 at 9:05 am

If you have already applied for the age pension, but are deemed not eligible, do Centrelink assess you for the CSHC using your age pension application?

James Coyle on September 15, 2022 at 8:45 am

No Centrelink won’t automatically do this for you. You will need to separately apply for the CSHC
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geoff on September 13, 2022 at 9:05 am

hi,
To be eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card do you have to be retired and over a certain age and under the income amount or if not retired but are under the income amount and of age can get it .
thanking you geoff

James Coyle on September 15, 2022 at 8:43 am

Hi Geoff. You do not need to be retired but you do need to meet the age threshold, currently 66 1/2 and also the income test.
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Kerry Evans on September 14, 2022 at 7:52 am

Re: Senior Health Care Card new entitlements.
Does this $90,000 income threshold for a single person include their indexed defined benefit State Super pension? Is the age commencement 66.5 years of age
Thank you.

Steven Sadler on September 28, 2022 at 4:15 pm

Hi Kerry, yes you are right, your defined benefit income is included in the income assessment. Generally speaking the age requirement is currently 66.5 however it depends on when you were born, for those born after 31 December 1956 the eligibility age is 67 years.
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Christine on December 4, 2022 at 5:38 pm

I am of eligible age; however, my partner is not until August 2023. Can I apply as a single person, or do I have to wait until he meets the age threshold?

Steven Sadler on December 5, 2022 at 11:06 am

Hi Christine, great question! You can apply now presuming your partner and your combined income and assets are under the thresholds. Your partner being under age means that only you will receive payments for the moment, your partner would then need to apply in August next year to begin receiving their payments.
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