The Centrelink Concession Card 2025 provides Australians with essential financial support, offering significant savings on healthcare, transport, utilities, and other vital services.
Whether you are a pensioner, senior, or low-income earner, there’s a Centrelink Concession Card to help make life more affordable.
This guide covers the application process, eligibility criteria, and the benefits of each card available in 2025, ensuring you understand how to access the support you’re entitled to.
Types of Centrelink Concession Cards in 2025
The Centrelink Concession Cards offer various benefits for different groups of Australians. Below is an overview of the most common cards, including eligibility, benefits, and how to apply:
| Concession Card | Benefits | Eligibility Criteria | Application Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) | Discounted medicines, bulk-billed doctor visits, transport and utility concessions | Recipients of Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, JobSeeker, and more | Automatic (no application needed) |
| Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) | Cheaper prescription medicines, utility discounts, public transport concessions | Must be Age Pension age but not receiving a pension, meet income test | Apply via myGov or Centrelink office |
| Low Income Health Care Card (LIHCC) | Access to cheaper medicines, reduced healthcare costs, utility discounts | Income below $769 (single) or $1,315 (couples) per week | Apply via myGov or paper form SS050 |
1. Pensioner Concession Card (PCC)
The Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) provides substantial savings and is aimed at assisting low-income Australians. It’s available to those receiving a range of Centrelink payments.
Benefits of the PCC
- Medical savings: Discounted Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines and bulk-billed doctor visits where applicable.
- Utility discounts: Reduced energy, gas, and water bills in many states.
- Transport concessions: Discounts on public transport in all Australian states and territories.
- Hearing services: Access to free or low-cost hearing assessments and hearing aids.
Eligibility
To qualify, you must be receiving one of the following:
- Age Pension
- Carer Payment
- Disability Support Pension
- JobSeeker Payment (if single with dependents)
- Parenting Payment (Single)
- If you’re 60+ and have been receiving eligible payments for over 9 months, you also qualify.
Application Process
No need to apply—Centrelink automatically issues this card to eligible recipients.
2. Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC)
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) is for seniors who are age pension age but not yet receiving the Age Pension. It offers a range of benefits for those still financially independent.
Benefits of the CSHC
- Cheaper PBS medications.
- Discounted healthcare services in certain states.
- Utility rebates: Discounts on energy bills (varies by state).
- Public transport discounts: State-dependent.
Eligibility
You must:
- Be Age Pension age but not receiving the pension.
- Meet the income test:
- Single: Income below $95,400 annually.
- Couples: Combined income below $152,640 annually.
Application Process
Apply through myGov or submit a paper form at a Centrelink office.
3. Low Income Health Care Card (LIHCC)
The Low Income Health Care Card (LIHCC) helps those on low incomes access cheaper healthcare and utilities.
Benefits of the LIHCC
- Access to PBS for cheaper medicines.
- Discounted medical costs: Available in some states.
- Utility bill concessions and public transport savings (varies by state).
Eligibility
To qualify, you must meet the income criteria:
- Single: Income below $769 per week.
- Couples: Combined income below $1,315 per week.
Application Process
Apply online via myGov or submit paper form SS050 to Centrelink.
State-Specific Benefits
Each Australian state and territory provides additional concessions for Centrelink Concession Card holders. Here are some examples:
| State/Territory | Key Concessions |
|---|---|
| NSW | Discounts on car registration, public transport, and electricity bills |
| VIC | 50% off public transport and energy rebates for pensioners |
| QLD | Discounts on driver’s licenses, water, and gas bills |
| WA | Free Transperth travel for seniors and utility discounts |
| SA | Energy bill concessions for PCC holders |
| TAS | Concessions on property rates, electricity, and vehicle registration |
| ACT | Discounts on rates, public transport, and healthcare |
How to Renew Your Concession Card
- Pensioner Concession Card: Automatically renewed if you’re still eligible.
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card: Requires an annual renewal.
- Low Income Health Care Card: Must reapply when the card expires.
Tips for Faster Approval
- Update your myGov and Centrelink details regularly.
- Submit income documents for CSHC and LIHCC applications.
- Follow up with Centrelink if your application is pending for over 21 days.
The Centrelink Concession Card 2025 is an essential tool for Australian seniors, pensioners, and low-income earners to save on healthcare, utilities, and transportation.
With the right concession card, you can access vital government support that eases financial pressures. Ensure your details are up-to-date with Centrelink and myGov to take full advantage of the benefits available to you.
FAQs
1. How do I qualify for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card?
You must be Age Pension age, not receiving the Age Pension, and meet the income test (below $95,400 for singles).
2. Can I apply for multiple Centrelink Concession Cards?
You can only hold one card at a time, but you may be eligible for different cards based on your circumstances (e.g., if you meet age or income criteria).
3. How long does it take to receive a Centrelink Concession Card?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, your card is typically issued within a few weeks after your application is processed.