Every single mother who finds themselves no longer eligible for a Commonwealth Government Health Care Card knows the sudden increase in the cost of visiting the doctor or buying medication can be a huge blow to the family finances – but did you know another Health Care Card exists, and you may be eligible?
The Low Income Health Care Card has been created to provide financial relief to individuals and families facing limited income resources. Here’s the Low Income Health Care Card explained, as well as eligibility criteria.
What is the Low Income Health Care Card?
The Low Income Health Care Card is a concession card that enables the holder to get cheaper health care and some discounts if you have a low income.
- Prescription Medication Discounts: Cardholders can access cheaper prescription medications through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
- Bulk-Billed Doctor Visits: Many medical practitioners offer bulk-billed services to cardholders, reducing or eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for doctor appointments.
- Concessional Medical Services: Some medical services and tests might be available at reduced costs, ensuring that essential healthcare remains accessible.
- Dental and Optical Concessions: You may be eligible for concessions on dental and optical services to cardholders.
- Utilities and Services: Depending on your location, you might be eligible for discounts on utilities, rates, and other services.
Find out more about the Low Income Health Care Card here.
Who is eligible?
To get a Low Income Health Care Card your income needs to be below the income test limit. You don’t need to pass an assets test. If your child’s name is on your card you may be able to use it for their expenses.
Children can be put on your card if either:
- you are their main carer
- they live with you for at least 2 nights every fortnight.
They must be younger than 19 if you’re supporting them while they study.
| Status | Weekly income | Income in an 8 week period |
| Single, no dependent children | $786.00 | $6,288.00 |
| Single, one dependent child | $1,343.00 | $10,744.00 |
| For each extra child, add | $34.00 | $272.00 |
Examples of income assessed are:
- Employment income, such as wages, salary and self-employment income
- Employer provided fringe benefits
- Rental income
- Reportable super contributions, salary sacrifice
- Centrelink pensions, benefits and some supplementary payments
- Paid Parental Leave payments
- Self-Employment Allowance
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs payments.
Find out more about the eligibility requirements for the Low Income Health Care Card here.
Application Process
Applying for the Low Income Health Care Card involves providing the necessary documentation to verify your income and eligibility. This typically includes proof of income, identity, and residency, and can be completed online or at a local Centrelink office.
