Commonwealth Consolidated Acts Commonwealth Consolidated Acts(1) This section applies in relation to a person if:
(a) immediately before 1 January 2017, the person was receiving a social security pension; and
(b) the Secretary is satisfied that the rate of that pension is nil on 1 January 2017 because of the operation of the amendments made by Part 1 of Schedule 3 to the Social Services Legislation Amendment (Fair and Sustainable Pensions) Act 2015 .
Seniors health card income test does not apply
(2) In determining whether the person is qualified for a seniors health card at any time on or after 1 January 2017, paragraph 1061ZG(1)(d) does not apply to the person.
Automatic issue of seniors health card
(3) If the person is qualified for a seniors health card on 1 January 2017, the Secretary must issue a seniors health card to the person.
Note: The person does not need to make a claim for the card.
(4) If:
(a) on 1 January 2017, the person is outside Australia; and
(b) the person returns to Australia before the end of the period of 19 weeks beginning on the day the person left Australia; and
(c) the person is qualified for a seniors health card on the day the person returns to Australia;
the Secretary must issue a seniors health card to the person.
Note: The person does not need to make a claim for the card.
(5) If:
(a) the person previously held a seniors health card issued under subsection (3) or (4) or this subsection; and
(b) the person does not currently hold a seniors health card; and
(c) the person is qualified for a seniors health card;
the Secretary must issue a seniors health card to the person.
Note 1: If the person is temporarily absent from Australia, the person continues to be qualified for a seniors health card for a maximum period of up to 19 weeks (see Division 4).
Note 2: The person does not need to make a claim for the card.
Note 3: A person may be issued a seniors health card more than once under this subsection.