1 Start Your Retirement
5 Steps
- If you are not eligible for an Age Pension, apply online for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) through the Services Australia website as the card provides cheaper prescription medicines, bulk-billed doctor visits, access to higher Medicare refunds and additional concessions from state and local governments.
- Submit an application for your state’s non-means tested Seniors Card if you don’t already have one. These cards provide access to government benefits and public transport costs, plus discounts from participating businesses. Check out the benefits available with your state’s Seniors Card.
- Register for the Medicare Safety Net through Services Australia to lower your costs for out-of-hospital medical services. If you hold a PCC or CSHC, you can access the Extended Medicare Safety Net.
- Visit the government’s online portal for older Australians to learn about the wide range of payments and services it offers.
- Check out the My Aged Care website to learn about aged care services in your area or to arrange an assessment for a Home Care Package.