WA Seniors Card and CSHC Rates Rebate: Up to $750
Why Card Pairing Matters
A WA Seniors Card on its own qualifies you for a 25% rates rebate capped at $100. Pair it with a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC), and you jump to the 50% rebate tier — capped at $750 on council rates and $600 on water service charges.
That is a potential difference of $650 per year on council rates alone, plus $500 on water, plus an uncapped ESL upgrade from 25% to 50%. It also unlocks rate deferral, which is unavailable to Seniors Card-only holders.
Many WA seniors hold their Seniors Card for the merchant discounts and Cost of Living Rebate without realising the CSHC exists or that the combination changes their rates tier.
What the CSHC Is
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is issued by Services Australia (Centrelink) or the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) to eligible self-funded retirees who have reached Age Pension age but do not receive an income-support pension. It is an income-tested card — the thresholds are based on adjusted taxable income, not assets.
The CSHC gives you access to cheaper PBS medicines, GP bulk billing incentives, and — in Western Australia specifically — the ability to pair with your Seniors Card for full-rate concessions.
You do not need to be on the Age Pension to hold a CSHC. That is the whole point: it is designed for retirees who are too well off for the pension but still benefit from concession access.
How to Get a CSHC
Apply through Services Australia (online via myGov or by phoning 13 23 00); DVA clients can apply through DVA. You need:
- To have reached Age Pension age
- An adjusted taxable income below the threshold (check the current limits on the Services Australia website — they have increased in recent years)
- Australian residency
Processing typically takes a few weeks. Once issued, you register the combined WASC + CSHC status with the Water Corporation to activate your Tier 1 rates concession.
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Registering the Combined Status
If you already have a WA Seniors Card registered with the Water Corporation at the $100 tier, you need to update your registration once you receive your CSHC. Contact the Water Corporation on 1300 659 951 or update online at watercorporation.com.au/concessions.
The system verifies both cards electronically and upgrades your concession tier. Your council will receive the updated registration automatically through the Common Registration Service.
The upgrade is not retroactive to earlier rating years. It takes effect from the date you notify the Water Corporation with the additional card.
What You Gain
| Concession | WASC only | WASC + CSHC |
|---|---|---|
| Council rates | 25%, cap $100 | 50%, cap $750 |
| ESL | 25%, uncapped | 50%, uncapped |
| Water service | 25%, cap $100 | 50%, cap $600 |
| Water usage | None | None |
| Deferral | Not available | Available |
Note that even the dual-card combination does not include a water usage rebate — that requires a Pensioner Concession Card or State Concession Card. The WASC+CSHC pairing covers fixed charges and rates only.
For worked examples showing exactly how much you save at each tier, see our WA Rates Concessions Guide.
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