We review this test on 20 September each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.
The income test looks at both:
- your adjusted taxable income, and your partners, if applicable
- any deemed income from any of your account-based income streams.
Income limits for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
To meet the income test, you must earn less than:
- $101,105.00 a year if you’re single
- $161,768.00 a year for couples
- $202,210.00 a year for couples separated by illness, respite care or prison.
Add $639.60 to these amounts for each child in your care.
There’s no assets test.
Account-based income streams
We look at your account-based income streams as part of the income test. Account based income streams include account-based pensions and account-based annuities.
The balance of an account-based income stream is subject to deeming. Deeming assumes that financial investments are earning a certain rate of income.
Deeming rules only apply if any of the following happens:
- you bought or changed it on or after 1 January 2015
- you own it and we granted your Commonwealth Seniors Health Card after 31 December 2014
- your partner owns it and they’re 60 or older.
Find out about account-based income streams on the Department of Social Services website.