Eligibility for the Pharmaceutical Allowance (PhA) in Australia is generally determined by the individual’s eligibility for certain income support payments. Pharmaceutical Allowance is paid to eligible people as follows:
- Disability Support Pensioners who are under 21 years without children,
- recipients of Parenting Payment (single) under age pension age, and
- certain allowance recipients who;
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- are temporarily incapacitated; or
- are over 60 years of age and in receipt of income support for at least 9 months, or
- are single principal carers of dependent children; or
- have a partial capacity to work.
Pharmaceutical Allowance is not paid as a separate allowance to recipients of Pension Supplements at more than the basic amount (differing rules apply to those who are overseas for more than 13 weeks).
The value of Pharmaceutical Allowance is incorporated in the Pension Supplement which is automatically paid to pensioners and other eligible income support payment recipients with their regular fortnightly payment.
Please note that eligibility requirements and criteria may change over time, and it’s important to consult the official government sources or contact the Department of Human Services or Services Australia for the most up-to-date information on eligibility for the Pharmaceutical Allowance in Australia.