The Australian Age Pension is a key government benefit designed to provide financial support to eligible seniors, helping them maintain a reasonable standard of living during retirement. As of 2023, the Age Pension age is set at 67 for all Australians, with no further increases currently legislated. The pension is means-tested, meaning eligibility and payment amounts depend on your income and assets.
| Scheme | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Age Pension | Age 67, residency 10+ years, means-tested |
| Income Test | Single: $212–$2,510/fortnight; Couple: $372–$3,836/fortnight |
| Assets Test | Single (homeowner): $314,000–$697,000; Couple (homeowner): $470,000–$1,047,500 |
| Payment Rates | Single: $1,149/fortnight; Couple (combined): $1,732.20/fortnight (Mar–Sep 2025) |
Age Pension Payment Rates (March–September 2025)
Below are the current Age Pension rates for the period 20 March 2025 to 19 September 2025:
| Category | Fortnightly Rate | Annual Equivalent (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,149.00 | $29,874 |
| Couple (each) | $866.10 | $22,519 |
| Couple (combined) | $1,732.20 | $45,037 |
| Couple separated due to illness | $2,298.00 | $59,748 |
Income and Assets Test Thresholds (Effective 20 March 2025)
| Test | Single (Homeowner) | Single (Non-homeowner) | Couple (Homeowner) | Couple (Non-homeowner) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income Threshold | $212–$2,510/fortnight | $212–$2,510/fortnight | $372–$3,836/fortnight | $372–$3,836/fortnight |
| Assets Threshold | $314,000–$697,000 | $566,000–$949,000 | $470,000–$1,047,500 | $722,000–$1,299,500 |
Who Is Eligible for the Age Pension?
To qualify for the Age Pension, you must meet three main criteria:
Age Requirement
You must be at least 67 years old. The qualifying age has increased over time, and now all Australians born after 1 January 1957 must be 67 to claim the Age Pension.
Residency Requirement
You must be an Australian resident and physically present in the country on the day you submit your claim. Additionally, you must have lived in Australia for at least 10 years, with at least five of those years being continuous.
Income and Assets Test
Your income and assets must be under certain thresholds. Centrelink will assess both your income and your assets, and the test that results in the lower pension rate will apply.
How to Prepare for Your Age Pension Application
Preparing your application in advance can help avoid delays and ensure you receive your payments as soon as possible.
Check Your Eligibility
Before starting your application, confirm you meet the age, residency, and means test requirements. The official Services Australia website provides tools to check your eligibility.
Gather Required Documents
You will need to provide a range of documents to support your claim. These include:
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Proof of identity: Australian birth certificate, passport, or driver’s licence.
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Residency documents: Passport, citizenship certificate, or visa.
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Relationship status: Partner details or separation documents if applicable.
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Living arrangements: Lease agreement or property ownership documents.
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Financial information: Bank statements, superannuation statements, investment records, tax returns, and payslips.
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Employment history: Employer separation certificates or PAYG certificates.
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Medical information: Ophthalmologist report if you are vision impaired.
Set Up Your Online Accounts
The easiest way to claim is online through myGov, linked to a Centrelink online account. If you do not have these accounts, you will need to create them.
Submit Your Claim
You can submit your claim up to 13 weeks before you reach Age Pension age. If you already receive an eligible payment, Services Australia will contact you 13 weeks before your pension age to guide you through the process.
How to Claim the Age Pension
Online Claim
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Log in to your myGov account.
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Link your Centrelink online account if you haven’t already.
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Select ‘Make a claim or view claim status’ and then ‘Make a claim’.
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Choose ‘Older Australians’ and follow the prompts to complete your claim.
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Upload your supporting documents as requested.
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Submit your claim. You have up to 13 weeks to finish your online claim before it expires.
Paper Claim
If you prefer not to claim online, you can complete a paper form. You will need to print and fill out the Age Pension and Pension Bonus form (SA002) and the Income and Assets form (SA369). Submit these with your supporting documents by mail or in person at a Services Australia office.
Combined Partner Claim
If you and your partner are both eligible, you can submit a combined partner claim online. Both partners must have their own myGov and Centrelink accounts, and the option will appear at the Review and Confirm stage of the claim.
What Happens After You Apply?
Once you submit your claim, you will receive a receipt with a claim ID number. You can track your claim’s progress online through your myGov account. Services Australia may contact you if they need more information or documentation. If your claim is rejected, you can request a review or reapply if your circumstances change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When can I start my Age Pension application?
You can submit your claim up to 13 weeks before you reach Age Pension age.
2. What documents do I need to provide?
You will need proof of identity, residency, relationship status, living arrangements, financial records, employment history, and any relevant medical documents.
3. How is the Age Pension calculated?
The Age Pension is calculated based on both your income and assets. The test that results in the lower payment rate will apply.
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