The Age Pension is the main income support payment for older Australians. It is a fortnightly payment and there are different rates for couples and singles. See the current payment rates here. Information is available in languages other than English. You can also call Centrelink’s Older Australian helpline on 132 300 between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the age pension you need to:
- Be aged 65 years or older. If you were born after 1 July 1952, the age you qualify depends on your birthdate. The age for receiving the pension increases by six months every two years. Check here for further details.
- Be both an Australian resident and in Australia on the day you claim your age pension.
- Meet income and assets testing limits.
Income and Assets Testing
The amount you receive for your age pension depends on your income and assets. If you earn over the limits, your pension may reduce.
- Income can be from employment, but can also include things like rental income, superannuation or bank interest. Centrelink uses a process called ‘deeming’ to work out a fixed income rate for your financial assets. Read more about income testing.
- Assets for testing include things, such as financial investments or investment properties. Exempt assets are things such as your family home. Read the full list here.
If you are in severe financial hardship, but your assets stop you getting a payment, you may be eligible for the Assets Hardship Provisions. Find out more about the provision.
Application
You can apply for an age pension online or with a paper form. To apply online, you will need a myGov account linked to your Centrelink account. If you need help, you can get DHS staff assistance at a service centre or by calling the Older Australian’s line on 132 300. The helpline runs from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.