Commonwealth Seniors Health Card: Benefits and Eligibility
Self-funded retiree but not on the Age Pension? The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card can save you thousands. Who qualifies, the income test, and how to claim.
By Timothy Hirou GaschereauPublished 10 min read
Retired, self-funded, and told you earn too much for the Age Pension? The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) might still be yours for the taking. It is the government's way of saying: you saved well, you do not get the pension, but here is a card that cuts your health and living costs anyway.
The best part, and the bit that surprises people: there is no assets test. A big home or super balance does not rule you out. Here is exactly who qualifies, what it gets you, and how to claim. General information only, not advice, and thresholds are indexed so check Services Australia for current figures.
🎯 The essential: The CSHC is for self-funded retirees at Age Pension age (67) who do not receive a Centrelink or DVA pension. There is NO assets test, only an income test on adjusted taxable income plus deemed income (about $101,105 single / $161,768 couple from 20 Sep 2025). It unlocks cheaper PBS medicines ($7.70 a script), the PBS Safety Net, bulk billing incentives, and some state seniors concessions. Apply via myGov; it starts from your claim date, so do not wait.
What the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is
The CSHC is a concession card from Services Australia for self-funded retirees who have reached Age Pension age but are not receiving a government pension. It is not means-tested on assets: it does not care what your home is worth or how big your super is. The only gate is an income test, and many retirees who assume they will not qualify are pleasantly surprised.
Who is eligible
You need to tick all four boxes:
- Age Pension age (67), for anyone born on or after 1 January 1957.
- Australian resident, living in and physically present in Australia.
- Not receiving a qualifying pension (Age Pension, DVA pension or certain income support, which come with the Pensioner Concession Card instead).
- Pass the income test (below). There is no assets test.
The income test
The test uses your adjusted taxable income (taxable income, reportable fringe benefits, net investment losses and reportable employer super) plus deemed income from account-based pensions and super started on or after 1 January 2015. Deeming estimates income from your financial assets regardless of what they actually earn (0.75% up to a threshold, 2.75% above, from 20 September 2025).
| Situation | Annual income threshold (from 20 Sep 2025) |
|---|---|
| Single | $101,105 |
| Couple (combined) | $161,768 |
| Couple separated by illness (combined) | $202,210 |
The pre-2015 grandfathering rule
One of the most valuable and overlooked rules: if you started an account-based pension before 1 January 2015 and have held the CSHC continuously since before that date, that pension is grandfathered, so deeming does not apply to it, only the actual income you draw counts. That can keep a large-balance retiree comfortably under the threshold. The catch: roll it over, restart or significantly change it and the grandfathering is gone permanently. Do not touch a grandfathered pension without advice from a licensed financial adviser.
What the card unlocks
- Cheaper PBS medicines: $7.70 a script versus the $25 general rate.
- PBS Safety Net: scripts become free once your annual PBS spend hits about $348.90.
- Bulk billing incentive: a higher rebate for GPs who bulk bill card holders.
- Energy Supplement: a quarterly payment, but only for holders who have had the card continuously since before 19 September 2016 (new applicants do not get it).
- Extended Medicare Safety Net at a lower threshold, plus some state seniors concessions like the NSW Seniors Energy Rebate.
How it compares to other concession cards
| CSHC | Pensioner Concession Card | Low Income HCC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| For | Self-funded retirees, no pension | Age Pension / DSP recipients | Low-income, any age |
| Age | 67+ | Varies | None |
| Assets test | No | Yes | No |
| Cheaper PBS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Travel concessions | No | Yes (varies) | No |
The Pensioner Concession Card is the most generous (and includes travel concessions) but comes only with the Age Pension or DSP. The Low Income Health Care Card is for working-age low earners. The CSHC's big advantage is the no-assets-test rule for asset-rich, income-modest retirees. If you are on the pension instead, see the Age Pension guide.
How to claim
Check your eligibility (get an accountant to calculate your adjusted taxable income if you are near the threshold), gather your ID, TFN, income and account-based pension details, then apply online through myGov, by phone on 132 300, or in person. Your entitlement generally starts from the claim date, not approval, so apply as soon as you think you qualify. The card is renewed annually, and you must tell Services Australia if your income changes.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Is there an assets test for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card?
+
No. There is no assets test. The CSHC only uses an income test based on your adjusted taxable income plus deemed income from account-based pensions and super. A large super balance or investment property does not automatically disqualify you.
How is income calculated for the CSHC income test?
+
It is your adjusted taxable income (taxable income, reportable fringe benefits, net investment losses and reportable employer super contributions) plus deemed income from account-based pensions and super started on or after 1 January 2015.
What is the income threshold for the CSHC in 2025-26?
+
From 20 September 2025, about $101,105 a year for singles and $161,768 combined for couples (higher if separated by illness). Thresholds are indexed to CPI each September, so confirm the current figure with Services Australia.
Can I get the CSHC if I have a large super balance?
+
Possibly. Because there is no assets test, your balance itself does not disqualify you. What counts is the deemed income from it (or actual income if it is a grandfathered pre-2015 pension). If that keeps you under the threshold, you can qualify even with a substantial balance.
How far back can my CSHC be backdated?
+
Your entitlement generally starts from the date you lodge your claim. There is no standard backdating, so apply as soon as you think you are eligible rather than waiting.
What happens if my income goes over the threshold?
+
Your card is cancelled. Notify Services Australia when your income changes, and if it later drops back under the threshold you can reapply. There is no penalty for reapplying.
Keep reading
📚 Recommended reading
The Barefoot Investor
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The Barefoot Investor
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Australia's best-selling money book ever. A simple system for accounts, budgeting, debt and a real emergency fund in one.
Making Money Made Simple
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Making Money Made Simple
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Australia's classic, comprehensive money guide covering tax, super and investing, updated for today.
Money School
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Some links above are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Snowball Invest may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend books we'd suggest anyway.
Sources
This article is general information only, not financial, tax or legal advice. CSHC thresholds, deeming rates and PBS co-payments are indexed and change. Check Services Australia and speak to a registered adviser or accountant for your situation.
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General information only. This article is educational and does not constitute personal financial advice. It does not account for your circumstances. Consider your own situation and seek advice from a licensed adviser before acting. Read our full disclaimer.
Timothy Hirou Gaschereau
Founder of Snowball Invest, not a financial adviser.
I write about what I'm learning myself, because nobody ever taught us how to take control of our own money. It's a skill, not a mystery, and it's never too late to learn it. The best day to start was yesterday, the second best is today.
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