Grandparents have a range of options to access a concession card, covering grandchildren in their care.
AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT BENEFITS
The Australian Government recognises the special contribution that grandparents make to families and the community and provide a range of benefits to assist eligible claimants. The information provided is a guide only, due to its complexity. Any matters relating to assistance in respect of children entering or leaving care should be dealt with by appointment with the Family Assistance Office. Family Assistance Offices are located within Medicare and Centrelink offices and Australian Taxation Shopfronts.
Concession Cards
I am the primary carer of my grandchild. Am I eligible for a concession card?
Grandparents who are the primary carers of their grandchildren have a range of options to access a concession card, covering grandchildren in their care. The options are described below.
Income support concession card
If you are already receiving an income support payment, such as Age Pension or Parenting Payment, you will already automatically have a Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) or Health Care Card (HCC). If you are also eligible for Family Tax Benefit for the grandchild/ren in your care, they can be added to your PCC or HCC. The children will then be able to receive the benefits of the card.
Family Tax Benefit HCC
If you do not receive a pension or benefit, but get the maximum rate of Family Tax Benefit Part A paid fortnightly for your grandchild/ren, you will automatically be issued with a HCC. This card will cover both you and your grandchild/ren.
Low-income HCC
If you are not automatically entitled to a concession card under the above provisions, you may be entitled to a low-income HCC instead. To qualify for a low-income HCC, you must have income below certain levels (but there is no assets test). This card must be claimed, and will cover both yourself and your grandchild/ren.
Foster child HCC
A separate foster child HCC can be claimed for the grandchild/ren in your care. This card is available to all grandparents who are providing full-time care for their grandchild/ren through any form of care arrangement. You do not have to meet any income or assets test to get this card. You can apply for the card, but it is issued in the name of the grandchild and can only be used for the benefit of that child.
Carer Allowance (child) HCC
If your grandchild has a disability or serious medical condition and requires extra care as a result, you may be able to claim Carer Allowance (child). If granted, a HCC is issued for the sole use of the child.
How do I obtain a concession card?
You should contact your local Centrelink or Family Assistance Office to discuss which option is best for your situation. You can call into an office, or call Centrelink on 13 23 00, or the Family Assistance Office on 13 61 50.
What benefits can I access with my concession card?
Australian Government concession cards like the PCC and HCC provide access to:
- pharmaceuticals listed under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) at the concession rate;
- bulk-billed GP appointments, at the discretion of the doctor (the Government provides financial incentives for GPs to bulk-bill concession card holders);
- a reduction in the cost of out-of-hospital medical expenses above a concessional threshold through the extended Medicare Safety Net.
The information above was provided by the Australian Government Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
