C21/2008 2009 Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC)

External

Departmental Instruction

DATE OF ISSUE: 13 August 2008

2009 Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC)

Replaced by DI No.

Purpose	To provide information about the annual bulk issue of the 2009 CSHC.
Background	The CSHC was introduced 1 July 1994 and provides entitlement to Commonwealth Concessions for pharmaceuticals listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). CSHC holders also receive a quarterly payment of seniors concession allowance and if eligible, a quarterly payment of telephone allowance. Great Southern Rail Travel offers concessional fares to CSHC holders on The Indian Pacific, The Ghan and The Overland. In addition, CSHC holders may be entitled to further state/territory concessions on presentation of their card to the relevant department or authority.
Eligibility	The CSHC is intended to assist eligible veterans and their partners (including widow/widowers, and war widow/widowers) of pension age who fail to qualify for pension due to assets or income in excess of the current limit. Eligibility is determined manually by location staff.
CSHC Income Test	The CSHC income test is based on the annual adjusted taxable income. The CSHC income limit is as follows: $50,000 if single; $80,000 (combined), if a member of a couple; $100,000 (combined), if accepted as being separated due to ill health or respite care. The above amounts are increased for each dependant child by $639.60.
Valid	The 2009 CSHC will be valid from 1 October 2008 until 30 September 2009.
Numbers	The approximate number of cards to be produced from the bulk issue is 9,270. The breakdown for each state is:

The following dates apply to the 2009 annual bulk issue:

Task	Date
Production data extract	24 August 2008
Implement changes to daily template	25 August 2008
Produce reports for states	25 August 2008
Mailing house commence printing, enveloping and lodgement of cards	25 August 2008
Final lodgement date with Australia Post	before 5 September 2008

Reports	Summary and Non-Issued Reports will print at the nominated printers for location contacts on Monday 25 August. In addition status reports will be provided to Income Support contacts regarding the printing, enveloping and lodgement of cards.
Daily Template	Changes to the daily template will be implemented on Monday 25 August. From this date a 2009 CSHC will be issued for grants and reissues. This card can be used immediately.
Daily Stock	Stock supplies for grants and reissues have been sent to the contact officers. As dates are not pre printed on the stock, each location should continue to use last years stock supply until advised by Business Operations.
CSHC Contacts	The CSHC Income Support contacts are as follows:

Please advise Sarah Paras, the project co-ordinator, if there any changes to the contact officers listed above

The project co-ordinator for the bulk issue of the 2009 CSHC is:

Sarah Paras

Business Operations

Income Support

Phone: (02) 6289 6534

John Sadeik

National Manager

Income Support

13 August 2008