Low Income Health Care support - playing your cards right
1 Mar 2010
Ever wondered whether you’re eligible for a Government health care card but struggled to figure it out, even after visiting websites or ringing people at the relevant department? Join the queue. It’s not that they are trying to baffle us; it’s just that they often do.
About the card
The Low Income Health Care Card entitles you to cheaper medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and certain concessions such as reductions in government or local council charges like electricity, water rates and public transport.
There are a number of eligibility categories for this card, all requiring evidence of a low income and of living in Australia or at least being an Australian resident. This includes students or apprentices who are receiving payments from either ABSTUDY, Austudy, a Carer Payment or a Youth Allowance. Some foster carers are also included as a category.
About the test
To prove your eligibility for this card you need to satisfy an Income Test based on your gross income for an 8-week period that ends on the day you actually lodge your claim. Your income must be below the limit that applies to you over this period for you to be eligible for the card.
It’s important to understand what is meant by ‘income’ for the purposes of this test as it can be confusing, especially if someone else is responsible for your income. For example, it includes income you receive from products such as allocated pensions, annuities and superannuation pensions. It also includes what’s called ‘deemed income’ from financial investments like bank accounts, managed investments and shares.
If you need more information about eligibility for the Low Income Health Care Card for yourself, a family member or a friend, you might want to talk to a qualified financial adviser.
Low Income Health Care Card Limits
| Status |
Weekly Income |
8-weekly income |
| Single, no children |
$452 |
$3,616 |
| Single or couple combined, one child |
$787 |
$6,296 |
| Partnered (combined), no children |
$753 |
$6,024 |
| For each additional child, add |
$34 |
$272 |
In our August 2009 edition we incorrectly asserted that tax-free super benefits are not included as income for income testing purposes for the Low Income Health Care Card. We apologise for any confusion this may have caused, and therefore wanted to revisit how you can qualify for a Low Income Health Care Card.
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