What is the maximum you can earn to get a health care card?

How Much Can You Earn and Still Keep Your Health Care Card?

If you're wondering how much income you can earn while still qualifying for a health care card, the answer depends on your household situation. The card helps reduce medical and prescription costs, but it’s not available to everyone—there are clear income thresholds set by Services Australia.

For couples without children, the maximum combined weekly income is $1,702.50, which translates to $13,620 over an 8-week period. If you're a single parent with one dependent child, the same weekly limit applies: $1,702.50. However, couples with one child can earn slightly more—up to $1,745.00 per week, or $13,960 in eight weeks—and still qualify.

Each additional dependent child increases the threshold. For every extra child in your care, you can earn an additional $42.50 per week—or $340 over eight weeks. This helps account for the higher cost of raising larger families while still providing access to vital health savings.

It's important to note that these limits apply to your total income—including wages, benefits, and other sources—assessed over a consistent 8-week window. If your income goes above these thresholds, you may lose eligibility unless your circumstances change.

Many people overlook the small but meaningful differences between household types, especially when children are involved. That extra $42.50 per child can make a real difference, particularly for families managing tight budgets. If you're unsure where you stand, checking your current eligibility through Services Australia is a smart move—especially if your income has recently changed.