If you’re eligible you may be able to receive the Age Pension to supplement your income in retirement.
To be eligible for the Age Pension you must:
be at least 66 years old (with your eligibility age depending on your date of birth - see table below); and
meet an assets test - what you own affects the amount you are eligible to receive (this includes things such as savings, your super, cars, property etc.); or
meet an income test - income from working, investments and your superannuation impact eligibility; and
meet residency requirements
You can check your eligibility against the income and assets tests, to see if you qualify and to know how much you can earn before any payments reduce or stop.
Eligibility for the Age Pension age has been slowly increasing from 65 to 67 years.
Your birthdate
Your Age Pension age
Date of age pension age change
1 January 1954 to 30 June 1955
66 years
1 July 2019
1 July 1955 to 31 December 1956
66 years and 6 months
1 July 2021
On or after 1 January 1957
67 years
1 July 2023
How much you receive depends on your relationship status (couple or single), whether you own your home and the assets and income test. Changes to these rates can happen at any time, in line with government and legislative decisions, but are normally adjusted at March and September each year.
If you qualify for the full Age Pension the rates as at September 2024 are:
$1,144.40 per fortnight for a single person
$1,725.20 per fortnight for a couple
Additional supplements may also apply. Check the Services Australia website for more information.
Depending on how much your income and assets exceed the full pension threshold you may qualify for a part pension.
The best place to learn more is the Australian Government Department of Human Services website, call them on 13 23 00 or visit your local Centrelink office.