Changes to the seniors health card

Q. I'm planning a short overseas holiday - will my Commonwealth Seniors Health Card be cancelled?

A. People who hold a CSHC will now be able to spend up to 19 weeks overseas before their card is cancelled.

There are no limits on the number of times you can travel as a CSHC holder but each absence must be less than 19 weeks to retain the card.

CSHC holders will also retain entitlement to the seniors supplement and energy supplement for the maximum portability period of six weeks from departure.

CSHC holders who are travelling overseas for more than about six weeks are advised contact the department to chat about their plans.

New rules were also introduced on January 1 for students, Australian apprentices receiving Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY and people who receive the disability support pension who travel overseas.

I strongly encourage anyone who relies on a Centrelink payment to do their homework before booking flights or accommodation.

Visit humanservices.gov.au/paymentsoverseas.

Get stories like this in our newsletters.