The Low Income Health Care Card (also called the Health Care Card) provides access to cheaper medicines and other concessions for Australians on a low income who are not already receiving an eligible Centrelink payment. This guide covers the 2026 income limits, benefits, and how to apply.
What Is the Low Income Health Care Card?
The Health Care Card is a concession card issued by Services Australia. It is distinct from the Pensioner Concession Card — the Health Care Card is for people of any age who have a low income but do not qualify for a Centrelink payment that automatically entitles them to a concession card.
Income Limits (2026)
Your income is assessed over an 8-week period (not annually). The limits are:
| Family Situation | Income Limit (per 8 weeks) | Income Limit (approx per fortnight) |
|---|---|---|
| Single, no children | $2,664.00 | $666.00 |
| Couple (combined), no children | $4,328.00 | $1,082.00 |
| Single, with dependent children | $4,328.00 | $1,082.00 |
| Couple (combined), with children | $4,328.00 | $1,082.00 |
Income limits are indexed periodically. The card is valid for 12 months from the date shown on the card. You need to reapply each year if your income is still low.
Benefits of the Health Care Card
1. Cheaper Medicines (PBS)
- General PBS co-payment: approximately $33.30 per script
- Health Care Card holder rate: approximately $7.70 per script
- Once you reach the PBS Safety Net threshold (about $1,662.00 for general patients, but much lower for concession card holders), you receive free PBS medicines for the rest of the calendar year
2. Bulk Billed Doctor Visits
Many GPs offer bulk billing to Health Care Card holders, meaning you pay nothing for your visit. Check with your local GP practice to see if they bulk bill concession card patients.
3. State and Territory Concessions
Depending on your state or territory, you may receive:
- Energy bills: discounts on electricity and gas (e.g. NSW Energy Rebate, Victoria's Power Saving Bonus)
- Transport: reduced fares on public transport (varies by state)
- Council rates: concessions or deferrals on council rates
- Water: reduced water bills (state-dependent)
- Motor vehicle registration: discounts on registration fees (state-dependent)
- Ambulance cover: in some states, Health Care Card holders receive free ambulance services
4. Other Benefits
- Medicare Safety Net: lower thresholds for the Original and Extended Medicare Safety Nets
- Dental care: access to state-funded public dental services (waiting lists may apply)
- Hearing services: access to the Hearing Services Program
Who Cannot Get a Health Care Card?
- You are already receiving a Centrelink payment that gives you a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card automatically (e.g. if you get JobSeeker Payment, you already get a Health Care Card as part of your payment — you don't need to apply separately)
- Your income exceeds the 8-week limit
- You are in prison or a psychiatric institution
How to Apply for a Low Income Health Care Card
- Log into myGov and link Centrelink
- Select "Make a claim" then "Low Income Health Care Card"
- Complete the online questionnaire about your income, assets, and living situation
- Provide details of your income over the last 8 weeks (pay slips, bank statements, etc.)
- Submit the claim — you should receive a decision within a few weeks
- If approved, your card will be posted to you (or you can use a digital version via the Express Plus Centrelink app)
Renewing Your Card
Your Health Care Card is valid for 12 months. Before it expires, Centrelink will usually contact you about renewing. You need to reapply and demonstrate that your income is still below the threshold.
- Renew online through myGov
- Provide updated income information for the most recent 8 weeks
Health Care Card vs Other Concession Cards
| Card Type | Who Gets It | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Low Income Health Care Card | Low income (any age) | Cheaper PBS scripts, bulk billing, state concessions |
| Pensioner Concession Card | Age Pension, DSP, Carer Payment recipients | Same as HCC plus higher state concessions, utilities allowance |
| Commonwealth Seniors Health Card | Age Pension age, not on Age Pension, meets income test | Cheaper PBS scripts, bulk billing |
| Health Care Card (automatic) | JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment recipients | Same benefits as Low Income Health Care Card |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Health Care Card if I'm working?
Yes, as long as your income over the 8-week assessment period is below the limit. The card is designed for low-income workers who don't qualify for Centrelink payments.
Does the Health Care Card affect my partner?
If you are partnered, your combined income is assessed. Each person in the couple can receive their own card if the income test is met.
Can I use my Health Care Card overseas?
No — the card is only valid for use within Australia. However, you may still receive some Medicare benefits under reciprocal health agreements.
This guide is updated for 2026. Check Services Australia website for latest rates.