It’s a common misconception that older Australians are only eligible for concession cards if they are on the Age Pension. Not only are self-funded retirees eligible for certain cards, but some concessions may be available even if you’re not yet retired.
There is a range of concession cards that Australian seniors and pensioners may be eligible for. Depending on the card, you may be entitled to cheaper medicines and discounts on services such as public transport, council rates and power bills.
WA Seniors Card
Who is eligible?
In Western Australia, to be eligible for the WA Seniors Card, you need to be:
- aged 64 years or older.
- an Australian Citizen or hold an Australian Permanent Resident Visa.
- reside in Western Australia.
- work less than 25 hours per week.
The cards are non-means tested, but eligibility criteria and the benefits you’re entitled to vary depending on where you live.
The benefits
Examples of potential benefits include discounts on government services such as public transport, council rates and utilities like electricity. You’ll also be entitled to any discounts or special deals offered by commercial businesses to Senior Card holders.
How to apply
https://www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au/sign-up/
Pensioner Concession Card
Who is eligible?
If you’re eligible for the Age Pension, even if only a small part pension, you’ll be eligible for the Pensioner Concession Card.
The benefits
A Pensioner Concession Card entitles you to cheaper health care and medicines.
How to apply
You don’t need to apply for a Pensioner Concession Card. If you qualify for the Age Pension, you will automatically receive one from the Department of Human Services. This card is valid for two years and will be renewed automatically every two years if you’re still receiving the Age Pension.
You must let the Department know within 14 days if a change in your circumstances could affect your eligibility to continue receiving the Age Pension (and therefore your entitlement for the renewal of a Pensioner Concession Card). For example, if your income or assets change.
In addition, if you leave Australia for longer than six weeks, you must also inform the Department and your Age Pensioner Card will be cancelled.
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Who is eligible?
If you’re ineligible for the Pensioner Concession Card, you may still qualify for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, which is the next best thing.
You must meet all the following criteria to qualify for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card:
- You have reached your Age Pension eligibility age
- You’re not eligible to receive any payment from the Department of Human Services (including the Age Pension) or from the Department of Veterans Affairs
- You’re an Australian resident and you live in Australia (or you hold a special category visa as a New Zealand citizen living in Australia)
- You satisfy an annual income test (that has different thresholds than the Age Pension income test).
The benefits
If you hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, you’re entitled to receive the following federal government benefits:
- Cheaper medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The cost of medicines listed under the PBS is subsidised by the Australian government
- Bulk-billed doctor visits (at the discretion of your chosen doctor)
- A larger Medicare refund on medical costs for any out-of-hospital costs when you reach the Medicare Safety Net. The Medicare Safety Net Threshold (set on 1 January each year) for concession card holders in 2021 is $697. If you exceed that amount in out-of-pocket hospital costs, you’ll be refunded 80% of the amount.
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders were also entitled to the series of one-off economic support payments paid as part of the COVID-19 stimulus. The last of these payments were made in March 2021.
How to apply
You can apply for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card from the Department of Human Services once you’ve reached your Age Pension eligibility age, or via www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/how-to-claim-commonwealth-seniors-health-card . Once issued, it is valid for one year. It will be automatically renewed by the Department of Human Services every year, provided you continue to satisfy all eligibility requirements.
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card should not be confused with a Health Care Card or a Low Income Health Care Card. If you receive some forms of government payments (excluding the Age Pension), you may also be entitled to receive a Health Care Card.
Please note, that your actual eligibility for the above cards will be subject to a formal application being lodged, and assessed by the appropriate agency. However, if you think you may be eligible, you have nothing to lose through making an application.
Contact Shakespeare if you would like further information.
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