Low Income Health Care Card – Eligibility & How to Apply 2026
If your income is below a certain level, you may be eligible for a Low Income Health Care Card, even if you’re not receiving a Centrelink payment. This card gives you access to cheaper medicines and some concessions, without affecting any other payments you receive. Here’s how eligibility, income limits, and the application process work.
What Is a Low Income Health Care Card?
The Low Income Health Care Card is a concession card for people who aren’t getting an income support payment but still have a low income. Unlike some Centrelink payments, it isn’t means-tested on assets, only on your income, which makes it accessible to a wider group of people, including some self-employed individuals, casual workers, and people between jobs.
What Does the Health Care Card Give You?
Holding a Low Income Health Care Card can give you access to:
- Cheaper prescription medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
- Bulk billing incentives with some healthcare providers, though this is at the provider’s discretion
- Certain state and territory government concessions, such as reduced utility bills or public transport discounts, depending on where you live
- Some Commonwealth concessions available to health care card holders
The exact concessions can vary depending on your state or territory, so it’s worth checking what’s available locally as well.
Who Is Eligible for the Low Income Health Care Card?
To qualify, you generally need to:
- Be an Australian resident living in Australia
- Meet the income test for the card, based on your income over the 8 weeks before you apply
- Not already be receiving an income support payment from Centrelink that comes with its own concession card
There’s no assets test for this particular card, which is different from some other Centrelink payments.
Income Limits for the Low Income Health Care Card
Your eligibility is based on your average weekly income over the 8 weeks before you apply, and the income limit depends on your circumstances, such as:
- Whether you’re single or a member of a couple
- Whether you have dependent children
- Whether you’re separated due to illness, respite care, or being a member of a couple living apart
Income limits are updated periodically, so it’s best to check the current thresholds on the official Services Australia website or confirm your eligibility using their online estimator before applying, since relying on outdated figures could lead to an unsuccessful application.
How to Apply for a Low Income Health Care Card
- Sign in to my.gov.au and select Centrelink.
- Go to Payments and Claims, then Claims.
- Select Make a claim, then find Low Income Health Care Card under concession cards.
- Complete the application, providing details of your income for the past 8 weeks.
- Submit any required supporting documents, such as payslips or bank statements.
- Submit your claim and wait for Services Australia to assess it.
If approved, your card will be sent to you, and it’s generally valid for a set period before it needs renewing.
How to Renew Your Low Income Health Care Card
Your card isn’t necessarily permanent, and you may need to renew it periodically. In many cases, Services Australia will automatically reassess your eligibility using your reported income, and issue a new card if you still qualify. If your card is due to expire and hasn’t been automatically renewed, check your Centrelink online account, or contact Services Australia to confirm whether you need to reapply manually.
What Happens If Your Income Changes?
If your income increases beyond the eligibility threshold, your Low Income Health Care Card may no longer be valid at your next review. It’s important to report significant income changes to Services Australia, since holding onto a card you’re no longer eligible for could affect future claims or lead to having to repay concessions received incorrectly.
Difference Between the Low Income Health Care Card and Other Concession Cards
Australia has several concession cards, and it’s easy to mix them up:
- Low Income Health Care Card – based on income only, no Centrelink payment required
- Pensioner Concession Card – usually issued automatically to people receiving certain Centrelink pensions
- Commonwealth Seniors Health Card – for self-funded retirees over Age Pension age who don’t qualify for the Age Pension
If you’re not sure which card applies to your situation, Services Australia’s online eligibility checker can help point you in the right direction.
FAQs About the Low Income Health Care Card
Q: Do I need to be on a Centrelink payment to get this card?
No, the Low Income Health Care Card is specifically for people who aren’t receiving an income support payment but still have a low income.
Q: Is there an assets test for this card?
No, eligibility is based on your income only, not your assets.
Q: How long does the Low Income Health Care Card last?
It’s generally valid for a set period and may be automatically reassessed or require renewal, depending on your circumstances.
Q: What income period is used to assess eligibility?
Your average income over the 8 weeks before you apply is used to determine eligibility.
Q: Can I lose my Low Income Health Care Card if my income increases?
Yes, if your income goes above the relevant threshold at your next review, you may no longer be eligible and the card may not be renewed.
Conclusion
The Low Income Health Care Card is a useful concession for people managing on a low income, even without receiving a Centrelink payment. Checking your eligibility, applying online through myGov, and keeping your income details up to date are the key steps to accessing cheaper medicines and other concessions this card provides.
