Centrelink is one of the ways the government works out if you can get the Age Pension. It tests what you own (assets) against the limits, including super.
If you’re over the limits, you might miss out on the Age Pension. You’ll need to meet the other eligibility for Age Pension too.
Super account balance
Money in a bank account
Financial investments (e.g. shares)
Cars and other vehicles
Home contents or household items
Real estate/property (not including your home)
Annuity or pension from superannuation
Gifts you give or sell for less than market value
Businesses or partnerships/trusts
Inheritance from a deceased estate
Check the cut-off points for the assets test. If the total of what you own is within these limits, you might be able to get the full or part Age Pension.
Centrelink uses 2 tests – the income test and assets test. They base their decision on whichever test gives you a lower Age Pension payment.
| Full pension | Part pension | No pension | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $0– $314,000 |
$314,000–$695,500 | >$695,500 |
| Couple living together | $0– $470,000 |
$470,000–$1,045,500 | >$1,045,500 |
| Couple living apart because of illness | $0– $470,000 |
$470,000–$1,233,000 | >$1,233,000 |
| Couple where only one person is eligible | $0– $470,000 |
$470,000–$1,045,500 | >$1,045,500 |
| Full pension | Part pension | No pension | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $0– $566,000 |
$566,000–$947,500 | >$947,500 |
| Couple living together | $0– $722,000 |
$722,000–$1,297,500 | >$1,297,500 |
| Couple living apart because of illness | $0– $722,000 |
$722,000–$1,485,000 | >$1,485,000 |
| Couple where only one person is eligible | $0– $722,000 |
$722,000–$1,297,500 | >$1,297,500 |
If you get rent assistance with your Age Pension, your cut-off amount for the pension is higher. You can find out the rate using Payment Finder.
Source: Services Australia, 2024. These are the limits at 20 September 2024. Centrelink updates assets limits several times a year in line with inflation (CPI). The figures for couples are a combined total (not per person).
The assets test is only one part of the Centrelink eligibility test to see if you can get the Age Pension. Make sure you check the other factors as well.
You can get the Age Pension in Australia from age 67 if you meet the assets and income tests and residence rules.
If you're not yet old enough, you may be able to start using your super for your retirement.
Find out how your super and other income count towards the Centrelink income test.
Learn moreThe way the assets test measures your superannuation depends on what you do with it.
No, if you own the home you live in, Centrelink doesn’t usually include it in their assets test.
But that’s not always the case. Here’s when Centrelink does count your home as an asset:
Sometimes the Age Pension assets test doesn’t include certain things you own or money you get. Centrelink calls these exempt assets.
Here’s what assets are exempt from Centrelink:
If you’re confident you understand your eligibility, here’s what you can do next.
If you already know what age you can get the Age Pension, check the age you can access your super. It’s time to think about when you can start enjoying life after work.
Need help planning your retirement? You can get financial advice about your account as part of your membership.
Also check the average super balance for your age, how much you'll need to retire, and how to grow your super.
Some other benefits (apart from the Age Pension) to help retirees include:
When you retire with our award-winning products, you can mix and match to create the best combination with your super. And the Age Pension, too, if you can get it.
You are: Aged 60 to 64, but not yet retired.
You get: Regular payments from your super while still working.
You are: Age 65 or over, or between 60 and 64 and permanently retired or have left your current employer.
You get: Tax-free payments from your super as long as you have a balance.
You are: From 60 up to your 80th birthday and permanently retired.
You get: Tax-free fortnightly payments for the rest of your life.
