Retirement · Eligibility comparison

Age Pension vs Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

The Age Pension is an income-support payment with income and assets tests. The CSHC is a concession card for eligible people at Age Pension age who do not receive an income-support payment.

Payment vs cardAssets-test differenceCalculator next steps
01

Age Pension

Age Pension eligibility is determined by age, residence, an income test and an assets test. The lower of the income-tested and assets-tested rates generally controls the payment.

  1. Use the Age Pension calculator for payment and means-test estimates.
  2. Include financial assets for deeming and non-financial assets for the assets test.
  3. Confirm residence and work/other-income treatment with Services Australia.
02

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

The CSHC does not pay a pension. It applies an adjusted taxable income test and can include deemed income from account-based income streams. There is no assets test, so asset-rich self-funded retirees may still pass if assessed income is below the limit.

  1. Use the CSHC calculator to screen the published income limit.
  2. Enter combined household income for a couple.
  3. Include relevant account-based income stream balances for deeming.
03

Which should you check first?

If you may qualify for even a part Age Pension, run the pension means tests first because payment eligibility can also lead to the Pensioner Concession Card. If the pension rate is nil, screen CSHC next. Formal claims remain separate.

Run the Age Pension calculatorEstimate payment under income and assets tests. Run the CSHC calculatorScreen the current income limit and deeming.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have both Age Pension and CSHC?
CSHC is generally for people who do not receive an income-support payment. Age Pension recipients normally receive the Pensioner Concession Card instead.
Does CSHC count my home as an asset?
CSHC has no assets test. It uses an income test, although account-based income streams can contribute deemed income.
Is a part pension worth checking?
Yes. A part-rate outcome can provide a payment and concession-card access, subject to all qualification rules.

Tax Accuracy & Sources

Reviewed: 28 July 2026 · Tax year: Current ATO guidance

High-level comparison. Services Australia determines payment/card qualification and how income streams, residence and relationship status are treated.

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