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Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

Helps eligible older Australians with the cost of prescription medicine under PBS, Australian government funded medical services, and access to state, territory and local government concessions.

Quick links

You can read more information about the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card by downloading A guide to concession cards booklet.
Claim for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card form
Information you need to know about your claim for Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Low Income Health Care Card, Foster Child Health Care Card, Ex-Carer Allowance (child) Health Care Card booklet
If you lose your concession card, call us on 132 300 or visit your nearest DHS Service Centre

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card sample image

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card helps eligible older Australians with:

the cost of prescription medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
medical services funded by the Australian Government
concessional rail travel on Great Southern Rail services
access to concessions provided by state, territory and local governments, and in some cases, private businesses.

If you hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card you may also get a Seniors Supplement to assist with household expenses such as rates, telephone, and electricity. The Seniors Supplement is paid every three months.

You need to know

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card eligibility

To qualify for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card you must meet specific requirements, including age and residence conditions.

Adjustable taxable income for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is subject to an adjusted taxable income test. There is no assets test.

Concessions and discounts for Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

Your Commonwealth Seniors Health Card entitles you to discounts on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescription medicines. You may also need to present your Medicare Card when lodging your prescription at the pharmacy.

First steps

Intent to Claim

An Intent to Claim is the term we use when you first tell us that you are seeking a payment or concession card.

Claiming a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

When you claim your Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, you must be age pension age and provide certain documents:

Existing customers

Change of circumstances while holding a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

You need to tell us if your circumstances change—for instance, if your income goes up, you go overseas, or you change your address.

If you separate or your partner dies, we will reassess your entitlement to the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

If you start receiving payments from the Department of Veterans' Affairs, we will check whether you can keep your Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

Lost or stolen card

Lost or stolen cards can be replaced. A replacement card will be sent to you by mail. It cannot be issued over the counter at a Centrelink Service Centre. You can ask for a replacement card using self service, calling us on 132 300 or visiting your nearest DHS Service Centre.