The Community Services Card can help you with the costs of health care and public transport. This means you could pay less on some health services, prescriptions, and fares for public transport. Always carry your card with you to make it easy to get the benefits.
You don't have to be on a benefit to qualify for the card. You may get the Community Services Card if you:
- are 16 or over
- either:
- are a New Zealand citizen
- are a permanent resident, or
- have, or have applied for, refugee or protection status
- normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here
For more information visit https://www.workandincome.govt.nz
You are automatically sent a card if you're getting one of these benefits or payments from Work and Income:
- Accommodation Supplement
- Emergency Benefit
- Jobseeker Support
- Residential Care Subsidy (if you have a partner, they'll need to apply for their own card).
- Sole Parent Support
- Student Allowance, if you don't have a partner's who's working (if you do have a partner who's working, you'll need to apply)
- Supported Living Payment
- Youth Payment, or
- Young Parent Payment
If you haven’t received a card and fall into one of those categories, contact Work and Income:
Tel 0800 999 999
If you haven’t automatically received one this year and would like to apply, you can do so the following ways:
- Download the application form at:
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/community-services-card.html - Call Work and Income and ask for one to be sent to you:
Tel 0800 999 999 - Pick up an application form from Student Health at 3 Walsh Street, opposite the Otago Museum Reserve