Community Services Card

Having a Community Services Card can make a real difference to the cost of living as a student.


The main benefits for students are:

  • Cheaper doctor visits and prescriptions
  • Substantial public transport discounts
  • Access to some extra subsidies
  • Local discounts, such as Community Services Card rates at many of the Christchurch City Council facilities / local services.

A Community Services Card can make student life more affordable and provide better access to many services.

Step 1: Check your eligibility!

Check your eligibility for a Community Services Card. If you’re receiving the Student Allowance, or a series of other benefits, you do not need to apply for one (they’ll just send you one), but they won’t if you’re just getting the Student Loan.

See criteria here

Step 2: Download & complete the CSC form

You’re eligible? Great! Next, you need to fill out this Community Services Card form.

Download here

Step 3: Proof of identity & getting a verified copy

To prove your identity, you will need two forms of ID. You can either do:

Two forms of government-issued ID: birth certificate, driver’s license, firearms certificate, residency visa or passport.

OR

One form of government-issued identification: (the above) and one of the following: tenancy agreement, pay slip, bank statement, power bill, school ID card or similar.

More info on acceptable forms of ID

Getting it verified:

The above forms of ID need to be copied, and these copies need to be verified as true copies by a solicitor, Notary Public, Court Registrar or Justice of the Peace.

Find a Justice of the Peace on UC campus here: https://www.canterbury.ac.nz/life/support-and-wellbeing/uc-support-services/justices-of-the-peace-on-campus

Step 4: Send your form

When all that is complete, send the form to:

Seniors Support Centre
Ministry of Social Development
PO Box 5054
Wellington 6145.

The UC Pharmacy in the Undercroft (bottom level of Puaka James Hight building) offers postal services.

If you have any questions about getting a community service card, you can always call 0800 999 999 (Ministry of Social Development) and they can help you through the process.