Commonwealth Seniors Health Card portability to be extended

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) holders will soon be able to travel overseas temporarily for an extra 13 weeks before having their card cancelled.

Minister for Social Services Kevin Andrews said currently CSHC holders have their card cancelled if they go overseas temporarily for more than six weeks, and a new claim needs to be lodged when they return to Australia.

“This is good news for Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders as it means they can travel outside of Australia for 19 weeks before they need to reapply,” Mr Andrews said.

“This will see less of an administrative burden for Centrelink and less red tape for our seniors.

It also means that those with superannuation income streams do not lose their Grandfathered status unless they go away for more than 19 weeks.

This change is due to take effect on 1 January 2015.

Portability of the energy supplement will not change and will remain portable for only six weeks.