From January 2015, non-taxable superannuation income will be included in the Commonwealth Senior Health Card (CSHC) income test. This means that income streams from super accounts will be considered income under the eligibility rules of the Age Pension.

The changes will affect all new CSHC cardholders, however there will be no changes to existing CSHC cardholders who have super account-based income streams. Any income streams commencing after 1 January 2015 will be subject to the new rules. To reduce red tape, portability rules will be increased from six to 19 weeks, which means cardholders can travel overseas for 19 weeks before having their card cancelled. For more information, visit the Department of Human Services.