Ask an Adviser - Do I Qualify For A Concession Card? (3)

Top answer provided by:

Joanna Moss

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Hi Jenny,

Thank you for your question!

Age Pension Concession card

The Age Pension Concession card is an additional benefit for someone who is receiving the Age Pension. This Concession card is not automatically provided to a spouse (unfortunately!).

In order to receive the card, you would also need to be eligible for the Age Pension in terms of age and meet an income and assets test.

Your Age Pension ‘eligibility age’ is determined by your date of birth. The table below will help you work out what your Age Pension eligibility age is.

Once you reach your ‘Age Pension age’ your will need to meet an income and assets test. In order to qualify for a part-pension, your assets and income will need to be under a certain limit based on your situation. Note that your home does not count. Information about the max income and assets you can have to qualify for a part Age Pension can be found in the tables below:

Asset test limits

Source

Income test limits

If you are not eligible for the Concession card, you may be eligible for another type of card.

QLD Seniors Card+go
You should consider what state-based concession cards are available to you. You may be able to qualify for a card while you are still working. In Queensland, the Seniors card may provide the following benefits:

1. Eligibility for certain Queensland Government concessions
2. Discounts on goods and services at participating outlets throughout Queensland
3. go card for use on public transport in South East Queensland
4. Access to the free Senior Shopper service.

To qualify for the QLD Seniors Card+go you must meet residency requirements, be age 65 and not working more than 35 hours per week. Further information can be found using this link

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Once you reach Age Pension age, if you are not eligible for the Age Pension and Concession card, you may be eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. That is not quite as good but still provides some worthy benefits:

1. cheaper medicine under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
2. bulk billed doctor visits - this is up to your doctor
3. a bigger refund for medical costs when you reach the Medicare Safety Net.

To be eligible you need to meet an income test. For a couple, your ‘Adjusted taxable income’ needs to be under $89,290 pa. This link provides further information about this card.

If you would like help in determining your eligibility for social security benefits you could speak with Centrelink directly. Alternatively, you could speak to a Financial Planner who will be able to assist you in understanding which benefits you are eligible for as well as any strategies that may improve the benefits you receive.

I hope this helps!

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Article by:

Joanna Moss

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