The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) is one of the main concession cards issued to Australian retirees who do not qualify for the Age Pension and whose income is below the current thresholds.
In order to qualify for the CSHC, you must be an Australian resident currently living in Australia.
Holders of the CSHC can save around $2,500 yearly on health care costs. The savings generally include the following:
| USE | Estimated Savings p.a. |
| Medicare Safety Net | $1,200 |
| Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme | $1,300 |
But on top of these savings, CSHC holders may take advantage of extra benefits. You can apply for commonwealth seniors health card with us.
What are the extra benefits you can get if you hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card?
- Discount on electricity and gas bills
- Card holders can apply for Seniors Energy Rebate to help cover electricity cost for up to $200 per year. Gas rebates are also available.
- FREE or lower rates on healthcare expenses such as ambulance, eye checkup, and dental care
- For example in NSW, card holders don’t need to pay for an ambulance.
- Discount on water and property rates
- For example iIn WA, CSHC holders may be entitled to receive up to 50% rebate on water service charges.
- Discount on transport fare
- In NSW, card holders are eligible to receive the regional seniors travel card (worth $250).
- Discount on recreational activities
- Recreational centres like gift shops, parks, and movie houses all over Australia offer discounts to holders of CSHC.
Retirement Essentials Can Help
Everyone loves a bargain and for Australian seniors, you can get a lot of discounts if you have your CSHC.
If you need help in applying for your card or you have questions about other retirement issues, please call us on 1300 527 727 or email us at hello@retirementessentials.com.au
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.
Where can I get an application form for the Seniors Card.
Hello!
A great way to get started with our service is by completing our free online eligibility calculator HERE as this will help show you a full picture of your entitlements. Just so you are aware, the calculator will asses your eligibility for both the Age Pension and the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card simultaneously. This is to help ensure no one misses out on any additional benefits they may be entitled to receive.
Once you have completed the calculator we will email you an eligibility report includes lots of useful information including what you are eligible for and when you can apply. Your email will also include a link to enable you to activate your account should you wish to use our service to apply.
Can i apply if l work 4 days a week.
Hi
As long as you meet the age, residency and income test requirements for the Commonwealth Seniors Health card it will not matter if you work 4 days (unless the income earned exceeds the income test).
Do I qualify for a $500.00 fuel card
Hello there,
The Country Age Pension Fuel Card provides eligible pensioners with up to $575 a year towards the cost of fuel and/or taxi travel from participating providers to offer more support for the transport needs of eligible pensioners living in country areas.
If you are on the Age Pension, you can apply by contacting the information line on 1300 666 609 to find your nearest participating country post office. Select ‘option 7’ to speak to a customer service officer. Alternatively, visit Australia Post for your nearest country location and contact them to check they are participating in the program.
I hope this helps!
Hi. I’m advocating for an isolated community in South Australia, Iron Knob. The town doesn’t have a doctor, health centre, pharmacy, emergency service, shop, petrol….it has nothing. With a population of 99, the average age is 65+. If one of the locals are conveyed by ambulance to hospital, with ambulance coming from nearest town 60km away, what support is available for him/her to get home? NSW and WA have prepaid fuel cards. What is available for SA folks in rural/remote areas?
Is the commonwealth health card a benefit on top of the Aged Pension Card ?
Hello! You can have either the Age Pension or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (depending on eligibility) but not both at the same time. The Age Pension comes with a Pensioners Concession Card which has very similar benefits along with a fortnightly payment. I hope this helps!
Do I get discount or reduction on cost off hearing aids with my commonwealth senior card
I have 60 % hearing loss and Im self funded Retiree with income of 35.000 pa
Hi Teresa. Typically there will be some benefits for hearing services including hearing aids but the extent of these benefits varies from State to State.
why would it vary from state to state if its commonwealth?
In addition to the Commonwealth benefits associated with the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) such as cheaper medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme the States often provide additional discounts to their residents who hold the CSHC. It is these state-based benefits, not the Commonwealth benefits that can vary from state to state.
As per Teresa’s comment. I too am in the same Situation. penalised for trying to stay self funded at 70. Meneires disease. huge loss in one ear permanent tinnitus and vertigo. Time the government looked at us that tried to plan ahead. No interest, no money. Have full respect for our many genuine pensioners. Fair go with Hearing….
Does my CSHC cover parkingg fees at a public hospital
for the first 3 hours parking
Hi Olwyn. This is not one of the benefits the Commonwealth provides for CSHC holders however different states or council jurisdictions might provide some parking support.
can I claim back the stamp duty payable on my home purchase
Am I entitled to podiatrist as I am a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder
Hi Peter, having a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card does entitle you to bulk billed Doctor visits however not all Doctors participate in the scheme so you would need to check with yours.
Hi
Just wanted to alert you to a typo. I think it should be movie houses not “horses”.
Hi Janice, thank you for letting us know! It has now been amended.
Why are people in Victoria, who have a CSHC, not eligible for concessions on rates, water and energy bills like other States?
The only concession in Victoria is on medicines at the pharmacy.
Are the people in Victoria literally NOT part of the Commonwealth?
This is totally unfair. Who made the decision to exclude Victorians from other concessions. Are Victorians over 65 not considered worthy of help?
Agree total discrimination
I have a WA low income health care card, and am now turning 66. Do I have to apply for the Commonwealth health care card or is it automatically sent out to me? I have spent too much time trying to find out on the computer.
Hi Carmel, thanks for reaching out! The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) is a separate entitlement that does need to be applied for however I’m not certain you are old enough yet. The age for CSHC is currently 66.5 for people born from 1 July 1955 to 31 December 1956, inclusive. If your birthdate is on or after 1 January 1957, you’ll have to wait until you turn 67.
I have the commonwealth health card.
Every March, June, September, December I get a sum of approx $90
in my account. I am assuming it is a benefit of having the card
as it contains ‘SHC’ with the amount but nothing else which would
more closely identify what it is for.
I am reluctant to try to identify what it is for exactly…….
not wanting to upset any apple cart.
Hi James, the payment you are referring to is an energy supplement. CSHC holders are entitled to it so the apple cart is safe and sound.
Your list of concessions website isn’t working
Thanks for letting us know Neil
I now have a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. I live in metropolitan Victoria. Do I receive an Energy Supplement? If so how much? And lastly, do I have to apply for it or would it come automatically?
Hi,
I have a CSHC just wondering if I am entitled to a discount on my water bill (Logan City Council)
Looking forward to hearing from you
Sandra Ellingford