Community Services Card Eligibility Checker 2027 (NZ)
Find out if your family qualifies for a Community Services Card (CSC) in 2027 using IRD income and family size. See estimated annual healthcare savings on GP visits and prescriptions. Free, private, no sign-up.
| Healthcare benefit | Without CSC | With CSC |
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What is the Community Services Card (CSC)?
The Community Services Card (CSC) is a New Zealand subsidy card administered by the Ministry of Social Development. It gives low- to middle-income families discounts on healthcare services — including GP visits, prescription items, after-hours fees, dental care for under-18s, and glasses for tertiary students. The card is issued automatically to people on most benefits (Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support, Supported Living, NZ Super with low income) or by application through Work and Income for low-income workers.
2027 income thresholds by family size
The 2027 weekly income thresholds (before tax) are approximately: single living alone NZ$701; single sharing NZ$626; couple no children NZ$1,043; family with 1 child NZ$1,209; 2 children NZ$1,362; 3 children NZ$1,541; 4 children NZ$1,717; 5+ children NZ$1,894. Each extra child adds about NZ$176/week. If you have very high accommodation costs (rent or mortgage above 25% of income), Work and Income may still issue you a CSC above the threshold.
Example: typical family savings
A typical 2-child family with NZ$60,000 annual income (NZ$1,153/week before tax) is below the NZ$1,362/week threshold and qualifies. They visit the GP ~8 times/year and fill ~12 prescriptions. Without CSC: 8 visits × NZ$70 = NZ$560 + 12 prescriptions × NZ$30 = NZ$360 = NZ$920/year. With CSC: 8 visits × NZ$19.50 = NZ$156 + 12 prescriptions × NZ$5 = NZ$60 = NZ$216/year. Total savings: NZ$704/year — plus cheaper after-hours, dental, and glasses.
How to use this CSC checker
Choose your household status and enter your annual family income (before tax). Add your typical GP visit count and prescription items per year for the household. The checker compares your weekly income to the 2027 threshold and estimates your annual healthcare savings with a CSC. If you qualify, apply through Work and Income — applications take 4-6 weeks and the card is valid for 1 year.
Source: workandincome.govt.nz and Health New Zealand — Community Services Card 2027 thresholds and subsidy levels. Updated May 2026.