What is the Age (or aged) Pension in Australia?
The Age Pension, sometimes called the aged pension or Australian pension, is income support from the government. It's meant to be a safety net to help older Australians who need it most.
Centrelink (Services Australia) pays the Age Pension every 2 weeks.
Can I use both the Age Pension and super?
Absolutely! There are plenty of ways to combine our retirement products with the Age Pension.
Check how your super balance is counted when you apply for the Age Pension.
How much is the Age Pension?
It depends on your relationship status (single or couple), whether you own your home, and Centrelink's assets test and income test.
Age Pension rates (as at 20 September 2024)
| Relationship status | Max basic rate/fortnight |
|---|---|
| Single | $1,047.10 |
| Couple (each) | $789.30 each |
| Couple (combined total) | $1,578.60 |
| Couple (each) living apart because of ill health | $1,047.10 |
You could also get Pension Supplement or Energy Supplement payments. Learn more and check the current rates on the Services Australia website.
How to apply for the Age Pension
Before you apply, make sure you meet the rules. Use our guide as a starting point.
Check your Age Pension eligibility
Starting age
You need to be at least 67 years old.
Assets test
What you own (assets) affects how much Age Pension you get, including money, super, cars, property, etc. Check assets test limits.
Income test
Your income also affects how much you get, including jobs, super income streams, etc. How the income test works.
Residence rules
You need to be an Australian resident and living in Australia for 10 years, with no break in at least 5 of those years. What if I've lived outside Australia?
Know when you can apply
You can apply for the Age Pension in the 13 weeks before you reach the starting age. Make sure you allow time to prepare your documents.
Make your claim through Services Australia
You can apply online, using a paper form, or with help from a Services Australia team member. Decide how you want to claim before starting the process.
Age Pension calculator: Check if you're eligible
We've partnered with financial technology service Retirement Essentials1 to help you work out if you can get the Age Pension. Go to their website to get a free personalised report.
Is super counted for the Age Pension?
Your superannuation in the retirement phase affects your Age Pension payment rates. And whether you even get the Age Pension.
It’s counted in Centrelink's assets and income tests, just like your personal savings and investments.
What if my super's in an accumulation account?
It's not assessed until you reach the age you and your partner qualify for the Age Pension.
How super affects your Age Pension
Let's have a look at your options when you retire and how they work with the Age Pension.
Get more tips from our podcast
Listen in as Super Insider host Anne Fuchs chats with Justin Bott from Services Australia about the Age Pension and how it works with super.
FAQs about the Age Pension in Australia
If you retire at 65, your money may need to last for 20+ years. That's if you live to the average life expectancy of 85 (Australian Bureau of Statistics).
We can help you plan for retirement. Can't find an answer? Contact us.
