Children and Eligibility for Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and Gold Card Treatment

Last amended: 3 June 2013

Children and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

One of the eligibility criteria for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) is that the person satisfies the seniors health card income test. The income limit applicable under this test is increased for each dependent child of the person. Since 1 July 2000 the income limit increase for each dependent child has been $639.60 per year.    

Detailed information about the processing of a CSHC is found at the GUIDE manual which is part of the VIEW Online Help.    

Children and the ordinary/adjusted income free area

For those pensioners assessed under the transitional rules only, the ordinary/adjusted income free area used in calculating a person's income support pension is increased for dependent children.    

Children and the Gold Card income/assets reduction limit (IARL)

The income/assets reduction limit (IARL) states the maximum amount of income or assets in a person's service pension assessment so that they still qualify for a Gold Card and can access health treatment at departmental expense. For those veterans assessed under transitional rules only, the IARL is increased for each dependent child as a result of applying the additional income free area in respect of each child. For this purpose, a dependent child include — s a person under 22 years of age who is receiving Youth Allowance.