Help with health costs
The Community Services Card can help with the costs of visiting your doctor and getting prescriptions. It's a family card, so you can use it for dependent children under 18.
Community Services Card criteria
If you get the Unemployment Benefit Student Hardship you'll automatically be sent a card.
If you're a student on a Student Allowance you'll automatically be sent a card, except if you're paid a lower rate because your partner is earning. In this case, or if you're on a Student Loan only, you still need to apply for one.
To qualify, your yearly income must be under a certain limit - depending on your personal situation:
Rates from 1 April 2009
| You may be able to get a card if you are: | And your yearly income (before tax) is: |
| Single in shared accommodation | $23,122 or less |
| Single - living alone | $24,514 or less |
| Married or civil union couple - no children | $36,618 or less |
| Family of 2 | $44,211 or less |
| Family of 3 | $53,539 or less |
| Family of 4 | $60,959 or less |
| Family of 5 | $68,225 or less |
| Family of 6 | $76,346 or less |
| For families of more than 6, the limit goes up another $7,154 for each person. |
You may also qualify for a Pharmaceutical Subsidy Card if you or your children need a lot of prescriptions each year. To find out more about this card, talk to your pharmacist.
If you don't qualify for a Community Services Card you may be able to get a High Use Health Card if you visit the doctor often for an ongoing medical condition.
You get the same subsidies on visits to the doctor and prescriptions as the Community Services Card - but you can't use it for other family members. Ask your doctor about this card.
How to get more information and apply
For more details on the Community Services Card, contact Work and Income's Community Services Card centre.
