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Tax File Number (TFN) for Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) 065-06030010

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This document outlines the requirements for a customer to provide a Tax File Number (TFN) or have a valid exemption from providing a TFN when claiming a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) or when they advise they have become partnered.

TFN requirement

The customer and their partner, if applicable, are required to:

  • provide a tax file number on their claim form, or
  • apply to the Australian Tax Office (ATO) for either their existing TFN, or a new TFN

Note: TFN re-use provisions exist when a customer has previously claimed a social security payment, and a TFN was provided and recorded on the customer's record. Customers who have previously only claimed a family assistance payment and are now claiming a social security payment are exempt from these provisions.

If the tax file number is not obtained from the customer or requested from the ATO within 28 days, the CSHC claim will be rejected. Valid TFN exemptions must be supplied within 28 days.

Single CSHC customers who advise they have become partnered must provide their partner's TFN to retain eligibility for CSHC. A formal request must be sent to the customer asking for the partner's TFN. If this is not provided by the customer or requested from the ATO within 28 days of becoming partnered the customer's CSHC will be automatically cancelled. Valid TFN exemptions must be supplied within 28 days.

Paper files and documentation containing TFNs must be stored securely to guard against unauthorised access, use or disclosure. TFNs may need to be removed or blacked out from paper records if the records are to be sent to an external organisation or if a customer provides a document showing their TFN and Services Australia has not requested their TFN details. If a customer loses their TFN, the agency may, after confirming Proof of Record Ownership (PoRO) disclose their TFN to them. Alternatively, the customer can visit the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for more information.

The References page contains a link to examples of how to assess requests for exemptions from providing TFNs. Note: the ATO does not assess exemptions from providing TFNs to Services Australia.

The Resources page contains links to contact details for the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Claiming Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

Assessing Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) claims

Completing a re-claim for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

Rejecting a claim for Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC)

Requesting a Tax File Number (TFN)