Community Services Card in a Nutshell
Our guide explains where you can use a Community Services card, the benefits, how to apply, limitations and how to renew
Updated 16 November 2020
What is a Community Services Card?
- A Community Services Card is essentially an ID card that proves you are eligible to receive discounts and reductions of medical services from doctors, dentists and for pharmacy costs.
- The card includes your Work and Income client number and your name. Its not a payment card though - having it just proves your eligibility to discounted services. You don't have to be receiving a benefit or have a student loan to be eligible to apply.
- You can apply for a Community Services Card at any time, or one will be sent to you automatically if you receive a benefit from Work and Income.
Our guide covers:
Know this first: What are the qualifications to get a Community Services Card?
If you apply for a main benefit (e.g. Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support, Supported Living Payment) or receive a Student Allowance, you'll automatically receive a Community Services Card in the mail not long after your payments start.
If you aren't receiving a benefit, you can still apply. The qualifications include:
If you aren't receiving a benefit, you can still apply. The qualifications include:
- You are over 18 years of age (or over 16 years of age if enrolled in full-time tertiary study)
- You are living legally in New Zealand (or are applying for refugee status)
- You meet an income test - the income cut out for a single person currently $29,280 - or below the minimum wage for a 40 hour week. The limits are slightly more generous if you have children and a partner though.
- For the full income limits visit Work and Income's dedicated guide.
What services does a Community Services Card cover?
Essentially a Community Services Cards helps with the costs of medical care. While the most common discount you'll see if with Doctor's visits, it can also help with things like:
Know this: A Community Services Card doesn't cover the cost completely, but usually means a healthy discount (exactly how much of a discount varies from provider to provider). If in doubt, ask your provider about a "Community Services Card price".
- ACC visits to a general practice (e.g. a doctor or nurse) if you are injured.
- prescription fees
- fees for after-hours health practitioner visits
- glasses for dependent children under 16
- emergency dental care provided by approved dental contractors
Know this: A Community Services Card doesn't cover the cost completely, but usually means a healthy discount (exactly how much of a discount varies from provider to provider). If in doubt, ask your provider about a "Community Services Card price".
How to apply
You can collect an application form from your local Work and Income office. They can also help by copying and verifying things like ID and proof of income. It is strongly recommended that you send the completed form to the postal address on the form. Applications are not processed at local service centres, and if you drop the form in it may get lost or be delayed.
Renewing your card
The first time you get a card, it generally lasts for three months. If you are still receiving a main benefit when it expires, you'll automatically receive a new one in the post.If you aren't receiving a benefit, you can complete a review form to renew your card and assess if you still qualify.
Must-Know Community Services Card Tips
- You can keep using your card until it expires - even if you are back in work and earn more than the income limit.
- If nothing else, your Community Services Card is a handy way of keeping your Work and Income client number in your wallet - it can act as ID when visiting a Work and Income service centre too.
- Some local councils and charities also offer discounts on their services for Community Services Card holders. Because you need a fairly low income to qualify, having a card usually acts as 'proof' that you are on a low income.
- Some companies offer Community Services Card discounts (e.g. movie theatres). This isn't a Work and Income funded discount though - just something the company has decided to offer.
- Don't get the Community Services Card confused with the SuperGold Card. This is a discount card for those over 65 or who receive a pension, but it much broader than the Community Services Card.