5.7.1 CSHC Overview

What is the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card?

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) is intended to assist retirees and other eligible seniors who fail to qualify for an income support pension from DVA or a pension or benefit payable by Centrelink. The card is issued each financial year.

Payments available to CSHC holders

The CSHC entitles the holder to a quarterly payment of [glossary::3157] (ES) to assist with payment of energy, rates, water and sewerage expenses.     

Concessions available to CSHC holders

CSHC holders may also be entitled to the following concessions:

• pharmaceuticals (prescription medicines) at concessional rate through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS),
• PBS Safety Net threshold at concession cardholder rate,
• Medicare Safety Net threshold at concession cardholder rate,
• discounted fares for travel on the Great Southern Railway,     
  More

   

  Factsheet IS152 - Southern Railway Travel Concession

  http://factsheets.dva.gov.au/factsheets/documents/IS152 Great Southern Railway Travel Concession.pdf

   

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• additional concession from state and local government authorities.

These concessions are not determined by DVA.  However, when the cardholder presents their card to claim a concession, they are consenting to their CSHC entitlement being confirmed with DVA by the concession provider.

CSHC eligibility

Veterans with qualifying service, their partners (including widows and widowers) and war widows/widowers may be entitled to a CSHC from DVA if they are of pension age or qualifying age and meet other eligibility criteria.     

CSHC income test

The CSHC income test is based on adjusted taxable income and income deemed on account‑based income streams.  A person is only entitled to a CSHC if their income is below the limit relevant to their relationship status.     

Commencement, variation and termination of CSHC

The rules for the date of effect of determinations regarding the CSHC are different to those applying to income support pensions.