Who is eligible for a Low Income Health Care Card?

You may be eligible if your gross income is below the threshold assessed over an 8-week period. For 2025-26, the limit is $681 per week ($35,412/year) for a single person and $1,176 per week ($61,152/year) for a couple. An additional $34 per week is added for each dependent child. There is no assets test.

What is the income limit for a Low Income Health Care Card in 2025-26?

For 2025-26, the weekly income limits are: single $681/week ($35,412/year), couple combined $1,176/week ($61,152/year). If you have dependent children, add $34/week per child. Income is assessed as gross income over the 8 weeks before you claim.

What benefits do you get with a Low Income Health Care Card?

Key benefits include: cheaper PBS medicines at $7.70 per script instead of $31.60 (saving $23.90 per script), bulk-billed GP visits under Strengthened Medicare, a lower Medicare Safety Net threshold of $797.90, and state/territory concessions on electricity, water, transport, and vehicle registration. Total savings are typically $1,000 to $3,000+ per year.

How do I apply for a Low Income Health Care Card?

You can apply online through your myGov account linked to Centrelink, by calling Services Australia on 132 490, or by visiting a Services Australia service centre in person. You will need to provide proof of identity, income details for the past 8 weeks, and your bank account details. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks.

Does Centrelink income count towards the Low Income Health Care Card income test?

Yes. The income test includes all gross income: wages, Centrelink payments (such as JobSeeker, Youth Allowance, or Family Tax Benefit Part A), foreign income, and deemed income from financial assets like savings accounts, shares, and managed funds. However, if you already receive an income support payment from Centrelink, you are automatically issued a Health Care Card and do not need to apply separately for a LIHC.

Is there an assets test for the Low Income Health Care Card?

No. Unlike most Centrelink payments, the Low Income Health Care Card has no assets test. Eligibility is based solely on income. However, deemed income from your financial assets (such as savings, term deposits, shares, and managed funds) is counted as part of your income.

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Low Income Health Care Card Calculator

Check if you qualify for a Low Income Health Care Card (LIHC) and see how much you could save each year on PBS medicines, GP visits, energy bills, and transport. Income limits for 2025-26.

Last verified: 20 March 2026

Relationship status

Single

Couple / de facto

Do you have dependent children?

Yes

Your weekly gross income*

Include wages, Centrelink payments, foreign income, and deemed income from financial assets.

State or territory

NSW

VIC

QLD

TAS

ACT

PBS scripts per year

Average Australian fills ~12 scripts/year. Used to estimate your PBS savings.

General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with Services Australia.

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Official Resources

Services Australia
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This tool provides general information and estimates only based on publicly available data from Services Australia and the Department of Social Services. It does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Results may not reflect your specific circumstances. Always verify with Services Australia before making decisions about your entitlements.

Data sourced from Services Australia, Department of Social Services, and state government agencies.

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Low Income Health Care Card Calculator

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