Centrelink Seniors Concession Allowance
Centrelink has provided online and leaflet information in English plus 18 other languages regarding the Seniors Concession Allowance, the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
This is an ongoing payment paid in four instalments in March, June, September and December to Australian residents who hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC).
Most self-funded retirees do not receive concessions for energy, rates, water and sewerage and motor vehicle registration from state and territory governments.
The Seniors Concession Allowance acknowledges their contribution in providing for their own retirement.
To be eligible for the allowance you must:
• qualify for a CSHC on 20 March, 20 June, 20 September or 20 December each year
• not be permanently absent from Australia
• if temporarily absent from Australia on 20 March, 20 June, 20 September or 20 December each year, you must have been in Australia for any part of the previous 13 weeks, and
• have been qualified for a CSHC immediately prior to departure.
Cardholders should note that if you travel overseas your CSHC will be cancelled. When you return to Australia you will need to reapply for a CSHC.
Holders of a CSHC may also qualify for Telephone Allowance.
Information leaflets are also available in Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Filipino,German, Greek, Italian, Khmer, Korean, Macedonian, Maltese, Polish, Portugese, Russian, Serbian,Spanish, Turkish, and Vietnamese.
For more information visit www.centrelink.gov.au
