Age Pension remains a vital source of income for older Australians. It is a government payment to help eligible people live independently in retirement. Whether you are already receiving the pension or planning to apply soon this article explains everything in clear simple terms
Who Can Get the Age Pension
To qualify for the Age Pension in 2025 you must meet several conditions
- Be at least 67 years old
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Have lived in Australia for at least 10 years including 5 years in a row
- Pass the income test and assets test
Some exceptions apply if you have lived or worked in another country with a social security agreement
Age Requirement in 2025
Since 1 July 2023 the qualifying age for Age Pension is 67 years. This applies to both men and women. If you are turning 67 this year you can apply up to 13 weeks before your birthday
How Much Do You Get on Age Pension in 2025
As of July 2025 the maximum Age Pension rates are
- Single person gets up to $1149.00 per fortnight
- Couple each gets up to $866.10 per fortnight
These amounts include
- Base pension
- Pension supplement
- Energy supplement
These rates are reviewed in March and September each year
What Is the Income Test
The income test checks how much money you earn from
- Work
- Superannuation
- Investments
- Private pensions
- Business income
You can earn a certain amount before your payment is reduced. The limits from 1 July 2025 are
- Single up to $218 per fortnight
- Couple combined up to $380 per fortnight
If you earn more than these limits your payment will be reduced gradually
What Is the Assets Test
The assets test checks the value of what you own except your main home. This includes
- Cash
- Cars
- Shares
- Investment properties
- Superannuation
- Business assets
From 1 July 2025 the full pension asset limits are
- Single homeowner up to $321500
- Single non‑homeowner up to $579500
- Couple homeowner combined up to $481500
- Couple non‑homeowner combined up to $739500
If your assets are above these thresholds your pension will be reduced
Work Bonus Explained
The Work Bonus lets you earn money from work without reducing your pension. You can earn up to $300 per fortnight from work without affecting your Age Pension
Unused Work Bonus can build up in a Work Bonus income bank to a maximum of $11800
How to Apply for the Age Pension
You can apply
- Online through myGov linked to Centrelink
- In person at a Centrelink office
- By phone through Services Australia
Steps to apply
- Check your eligibility
- Gather documents like ID bank account super and proof of residence
- Fill out the application form
- Submit your claim and wait for assessment
You can apply 13 weeks before you reach Age Pension age
Supplements and Benefits You May Get
Apart from the main pension payment you may qualify for extra support such as
- Rent Assistance
- Energy Supplement
- Pensioner Concession Card
- Pharmaceutical Allowance
- Remote Area Allowance if you live in a remote area
These help cover essential costs like rent power and medicines
Payment Dates and Frequency
Payments are made every two weeks into your nominated bank account. You can select your payment day when setting up your account with Centrelink
Travelling or Living Overseas
If you travel or move overseas you can still get the pension for a limited time
- If overseas for less than 6 weeks your payment continues normally
- If you are overseas for longer or move overseas permanently the amount you receive may change
- International agreements can help maintain your eligibility
What If You Are Rejected
If Centrelink rejects your application you can
- Ask for an internal review
- Provide more documents or information
- Appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
Make sure your medical financial and identification documents are up to date and accurate
Changes in 2025 to Be Aware Of
- Payment increase in March 2025
- Income and asset limits increased from 1 July 2025
- Deeming rates for financial assets adjusted
- More people now qualify due to rising thresholds
Important Tips
- Keep your details updated with Centrelink
- Always report changes to your income and assets
- Use the online Age Pension calculator to estimate your payment
- Talk to a financial adviser if needed
- Claim all available concessions and discounts
