Low Income Health Care Card 2026: Income Limits, Benefits & How to Apply
Complete guide to the Low Income Health Care Card. Income limits for singles and families, what discounts you get, and step-by-step application process.
What Is the Low Income Health Care Card?
The Low Income Health Care Card (LI HCC) is a concession card for Australians who earn below a certain income threshold but don't receive a Centrelink payment. Unlike the Health Care Card that comes automatically with JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, or other payments, the LI HCC is a standalone card specifically for low-income earners, self-funded retirees, and others who don't qualify for Centrelink income support but still need help with living costs. The card entitles you to cheaper prescription medications, discounted or free health services, and a range of state-based concessions on energy, transport, and council rates. It's one of the most underutilised benefits in Australia — many people who qualify don't realise the card exists or assume they earn too much. If your income is below the thresholds outlined in this guide, it's worth applying.
Income Limits — Who Qualifies?
The income limits for the LI HCC are based on your gross income over an 8-week assessment period. As of March 2026, the limits are: Single, no children — $681 per week ($35,412 per year). Couple combined, no children — $1,176 per week ($61,152 per year). Single with one child — $1,176 per week, plus $52 per week for each additional child. Couple with one child — $1,176 per week, plus $52 per week for each additional child. These are gross income figures (before tax). The income assessment looks at your average income over 8 weeks ending on the day Centrelink processes your claim. There is no assets test for the LI HCC — only income matters. This means even if you own your home or have significant savings, you can still qualify if your income is below the threshold. Income includes employment income, self-employment income, investment income, superannuation income streams, and overseas income.
What Discounts and Benefits Do You Get?
The LI HCC provides the same concessions as a standard Health Care Card. PBS medications at $7.70 per script instead of the general rate of $31.60 — this alone can save hundreds per year if you take regular medications. PBS Safety Net threshold of $326.40 per calendar year — once you reach this, remaining scripts are free. Bulk-billed GP visits — while any Medicare card holder can be bulk-billed, many GPs prioritise bulk billing for HCC holders. State energy rebates — most states provide energy concessions for HCC holders (see our state-specific guides). Council rate reductions — some councils offer rebates for HCC holders (less common than PCC rebates, but worth checking). Water rate concessions — available in some areas. Transport concessions — most states offer discounted public transport for HCC holders, though generally less generous than PCC concessions.
State-Specific Benefits for HCC Holders
NSW: Low Income Household Rebate of $285/year on electricity. Concession Opal card for half-price public transport. Gas rebate of $122/year. Victoria: Annual Electricity Concession of $230.65/year. Winter Gas Concession of $69.83/year. Power Saving Bonus ($250 when available). Concession myki for half-price transport. Queensland: Electricity Rebate of $372/year. Concession go card for half-price TransLink services. South Australia: Cost of Living Concession (energy component). Concession Metrocard for discounted transport. Western Australia: Energy Assistance Payment. SmartRider concession fares. Tasmania: Concession rates on Metro buses. The exact benefits vary by state and may change — check your state government's concessions website for the current list. The key point is that the LI HCC unlocks state concessions worth potentially $500-$1,500 per year beyond the PBS medication savings.
How to Apply — Step by Step
You can apply for the LI HCC online through myGov or at a Centrelink service centre. Step 1: Log into myGov and link your Centrelink account (if not already linked). Step 2: Go to Centrelink > Claims > Make a claim > Concession cards. Step 3: Select Low Income Health Care Card. Step 4: Complete the application, providing your personal details, income details for the past 8 weeks, and bank account information. Step 5: Upload supporting documents — payslips for the past 8 weeks, bank statements showing any investment income, and proof of identity. Step 6: Submit the claim. Processing typically takes 1-3 weeks. If approved, your card will be mailed to you and will also appear in the Express Plus Centrelink app. The card is valid for up to 12 months and must be renewed by lodging a renewal application before it expires. Centrelink will send you a renewal reminder.
Common Situations Where the LI HCC Helps
Part-time workers: If you work part-time and earn under $681/week (single), you likely qualify. This is common among students, semi-retired workers, and parents returning to the workforce. Self-funded retirees: If you've drawn down your super and your remaining income is below the threshold, you can get a LI HCC even if you own your home and have assets — there's no assets test. People between jobs: If you've recently left a job and your income over the past 8 weeks averages below the threshold, you may qualify while you look for new work (though JobSeeker may be a better option if you expect to be unemployed for a while). Casual workers with irregular hours: If your hours fluctuate and your average income over 8 weeks falls below the threshold, you can apply during lower-income periods. Gig economy workers: Uber drivers, freelancers, and contractors with variable income may qualify during quieter periods.
LI HCC vs Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
If you're over Age Pension age and don't qualify for the Age Pension, you may be eligible for either the LI HCC or the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC). The CSHC has a much higher income threshold — $95,400 per year for singles and $152,640 for couples (based on adjusted taxable income). This makes it more accessible for self-funded retirees with moderate investment income. The CSHC provides most of the same benefits as the LI HCC: concessional PBS medications, energy rebates, and some transport concessions. It also provides the Seniors Supplement of $219.40 per year for singles. If you qualify for both, the CSHC is generally better as it has a higher income threshold and includes the Seniors Supplement. If you're under Age Pension age, only the LI HCC is available. Apply for the CSHC through myGov or by calling the Older Australians line on 132 300.
Keeping Your Card — Renewals and Income Changes
The LI HCC is valid for up to 12 months. About 6 weeks before it expires, Centrelink will send you a renewal form. You'll need to provide updated income details for the most recent 8-week period. If your income still falls below the threshold, the card will be renewed for another 12 months. If your income increases above the threshold, you won't be able to renew, but you keep the card until it expires. If your circumstances change during the year (income increases significantly, you start receiving a Centrelink payment, or you leave Australia for an extended period), you should notify Centrelink. If you start receiving a Centrelink payment like JobSeeker or Age Pension, you'll receive an automatic Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card through that payment, and the LI HCC becomes unnecessary. There's no penalty for applying and being rejected — if you think you might qualify, it's worth trying.
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General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with Services Australia.
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