Government concession cards, including the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card and state-based Seniors Cards, can save you a lot. They cut the cost of healthcare, prescriptions and everyday bills. Several rates and thresholds affecting eligibility change on 20 September 2026, so now is a good time to review what the cards are worth and check whether you qualify.
These cards offer lower prescription costs of $7.70 compared to the general rate of $25, which fell from $31.60 on 1 January 2026. The concession rate is frozen at $7.70 until 2030. Also, once you reach the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Safety Net of $277.20 in a calendar year, your PBS medications are free for the rest of that year.
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) is for self-funded retirees who have reached Age Pension age (67) and are not receiving an income support payment from Services Australia or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. From 20 September 2026 your adjusted taxable income plus deemed income from account-based pensions must be below $105,048 (singles) or $168,076 (couples combined). A higher limit applies to couples separated by illness or respite care. These limits are indexed on 20 September each year.
The Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) is automatically issued to those on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment. You do not need to apply for the card and while you remain eligible a new card is sent to you before the current one expires. If your pension stops permanently due to high income or assets, you must stop using the card. If your Age Pension is instead suspended because of employment income, you can keep the Pensioner Concession Card for up to two years. From 20 September 2026 the Age Pension income and asset cut-off thresholds increase with indexation.
The table below illustrates the allowable assets for a full and part Age Pension. If you have assets exceeding the part Age Pension asset limit you will not be eligible for a part Age Pension or the Pensioner Concession Card that comes with it.
| Family situation | Homeowner: Full Pension^ | Homeowner: Cut-off | Non-homeowner: Full Pension^ | Non-homeowner: Cut-off |
| Single | $333,000 | $745,750 | $600,000 | $1,012,750 |
| Couple (combined) | $499,000 | $1,121,000 | $766,000 | $1,388,000 |
^ The full pension thresholds change on 1 July each year, not 20 September.
The Age Pension is also subject to an income test. The test that results in the lowest Age Pension entitlement is the test that applies. See Services Australia for information on how the asset and income tests are applied when calculating your Age Pension entitlement.
The table below illustrates the income test thresholds for a full and part Age Pension.
| Family situation (per fortnight) | Full Pension^ | Cut-off |
| Single | $226 | $2,701 |
| Couple (combined) | $396 | $4,128 |
^ The full pension income free areas change on 1 July each year, not 20 September.
The Health Care Card (HCC), including the Low-Income Health Care Card, is for those on Centrelink payments like JobSeeker or meeting the low-income criteria. It generally provides the same benefits as the Pensioner Concession Card.
Every state and territory offers concession card holders discounts on utilities such as water, electricity and gas. What you can claim depends on which card you hold.
In the ACT, for example, the electricity, gas and water rebate is open to Pensioner Concession Card and Health Care Card holders but not to CSHC holders. To find out what concessions are available to you, check your state or territory government concession finder.
Alongside federal concession cards, state-based Seniors Cards offer additional discounts. They cover public transport, dining, entertainment and local services.
State-based Seniors Cards are generally available for residents aged 60 and over who are no longer working full time. For example, in New South Wales, those 60 or older working an average of 20 hours or less of paid work a week over a 12-month period qualify for a Seniors Card, while those working more hours can apply for a Senior Savers Card. Only the Seniors Card comes with a Gold Opal card.
The Victorian Seniors Card is available for Victorians aged 60 or older, working less than 35 hours per week or fully retired. Those working 35 hours or more can apply for a Seniors Business Discount Card, which gives business discounts but no transport concessions.
In Queensland, you qualify for a Seniors Card or Seniors Card+go if you’re 65 or older and work less than 35 hours per week (averaged over 12 months), or if you’re 60–64, work under 35 hours weekly, and hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs card. A Queensland Seniors Business Discount Card is available for those 60 or older.
Federal and state-based concession cards help you save. Whether it’s lower-cost medications, discounted transport or savings on local services, these cards support your lifestyle and budget. Speak to us about applying for a concession card if you think you may be eligible.
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