How much can I earn and still qualify for the Low Income Health Care Card?

To be granted the card, your 8-week average gross income must be under $811.00 a week ($6,488.00 over 8 weeks) if you're single with no children, $1,385.00 a week ($11,080.00) if you're a couple combined or a single person with one child, or $1,419.00 a week ($11,352.00) if you're a couple with one child — a separate, higher figure than the couple-no-children row. Add $34.00 a week for each extra dependent child. Effective 20 March 2026.

Is the 8-week income test an average, or does one high week disqualify me?

It's a retrospective average. Services Australia looks at the gross income you actually earned in the 8 weeks immediately before you claim or renew, and averages it. A high-earning week can be offset by lower-earning weeks elsewhere in the same 8 weeks — it isn't a hard cut-off on any single week.

If my income goes up after I get the card, does it cancel straight away?

No. Once you hold the card, it only cancels once your 8-week average crosses a higher limit — 125% of the qualifying figure. For a single person with no children that's $1,013.75 a week ($8,110.00 over 8 weeks); for a couple combined or a single person with one child it's $1,731.25 a week ($13,850.00); for a couple with one child it's $1,773.75 a week ($14,190.00). Add $42.50 a week per extra child.

When do the Low Income Health Care Card limits next change?

The current limits took effect 20 March 2026. They're indexed twice a year, on 20 March and 20 September, so the next change is 20 September 2026.

Low Income Health Care Card Checker

Check the 8-week income test for the Low Income Health Care Card and see the limit that applies to your household.

Last verified: 26 July 2026

FairWork Mate AI

Is the figure right for you?

The advisor reads your payslip, contract or letter against the Fair Work Commission case library and cites the decision behind every answer.

Just need today sorted? A Day Pass is 25 questions over 24 hours, no account. Get a Day Pass — $4.99

Get pay and rights updates for your job

Free email updates when award rates, the minimum wage or workplace laws change.

Free forever. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.

Low Income Health Care Card Checker

Is the figure right for you?

Related Tools