Don’t miss out on your Seniors Health Card The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) provides many benefits for those who’ve reached Age Pension age even if you do not get: a pension from Centrelink, or a pension, income support supplement or CSHC from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). To be eligible for the card you also need to need to be living in Australia and be: an Australian resident, or the holder of a special category visa – that is a New Zealand citizen. You also need to meet a 104-week newly arrived resident’s waiting period or be exempt from this requirement, for example if you are a refugee or the partner of an Australian citizen. What are the benefits ? A CSHC entitles you to cheaper medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. It also entitles you to various concessions including; discounts on property and water rates discounts on energy bills a telephone allowance reduced fares on public transport discounts on motor vehicle registration free rail journeys. Note: Pensioner Concession Card benefits are different in each State and Territory and vary between local councils. If you think you may be eligible or would like to know more, contact your advisor at Morse Financial Services on 02 6339 9200. Written by Ron McCumstie Ron McCumstie is a representative of Morse Financial Services Pty Ltd, AFSL No. 240689, ABN 61 003 485 742. The information contained herein is general in nature and not personal advice. It is based on our understanding of the current taxation and superannuation laws and is current as at 1 July 2009.