Types of Concession Cards
| Card | Who Gets It | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care Card (HCC) | Low-income earners, some Centrelink recipients | PBS medicines at $7.70, bulk billing priority |
| Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) | Age Pension, DSP, Carer Payment recipients | Same as HCC plus additional state concessions |
| Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) | Self-funded retirees under income threshold | PBS medicines at $7.70, some state concessions |
| Low Income HCC | Anyone earning under ~$700/week (single) | Same as HCC — apply through Centrelink |
What Concession Cards Get You
- PBS medicines: $7.70 per script instead of $25. Free after $277.20/year (Safety Net).
- Bulk billing: Many GPs prioritise bulk billing for concession card holders
- Energy rebates: State-specific electricity and gas rebates ($200–$500/year depending on state)
- Transport: Discounted public transport in most states (typically half price)
- Council rates: Most councils offer 20–50% rate reductions for pensioners
- Water: Discounted water rates in most states
- Vehicle registration: Reduced rego in some states
- Phone/internet: Telstra offers discounted plans for concession card holders
Low Income Health Care Card
You don't need to be on a Centrelink payment. If you earn under approximately $700/week (single) or $1,209/week (couple combined), you can apply for a Low Income Health Care Card. This gives you all the same benefits — cheaper medicines, energy rebates, transport concessions. Apply through Services Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a concession card?
Most concession cards are issued automatically with Centrelink payments. The Low Income Health Care Card requires a separate application through Services Australia (myGov or in person).
What's the income limit for a Health Care Card?
For a Low Income HCC (not linked to a Centrelink payment), the income test is approximately $700/week for singles and $1,209/week for couples. These thresholds are indexed.
Can I use my concession card interstate?
PBS and Medicare benefits work nationally. State-specific concessions (energy, transport, rego) only apply in the state that issued the card.