Some people might think they are not eligible for the Age Pension so they don’t try to claim it. Even if you’re earning some income from your super, you could still be eligible.
To be eligible, you need to meet certain criteria. You can see the full list of criteria at Services Australia.
From 1 January 2024, you must be 67 years or older.
You generally need to have been an Australian resident for at least 10 years, with at least five of those years being continuous.
Your eligibility depends on income and asset tests.
Don't miss out on the Government benefits you deserve.
Use the Retirement Essentials Age Pension calculator to check if you're eligible.
Check my eligibilityIf you're 60-65, now is the perfect time to start thinking about the Age Pension and your finances for when you retire.
When the time comes to claim the Age Pension, start preparing your claim well before you turn 67. If you submit your claim after turning 67, you may miss out on payments you're entitled to, as Age Pension payments are only backdated to the date you lodge your claim.
Learn how the Age Pension works and how much you might get.
Estimate your super balance at retirement.
Attend an online webinar to learn about the Age Pension and how to maximise your income in retirement.
Get your supporting documents ready for your Age Pension claim.
The Age Pension amount you receive is based on two tests: the income test and the assets test. You'll be paid according to the test that gives you the lower payment rate.
Learn more about Age Pension rates at Services Australia.
The maximum Age Pension rates from 1 July 2025 are listed below.
| Single | Couple combined | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum basic rate | $1,051.30 |
$1,585.00 |
| Maximum Pension supplement | $83.60 | $126.00 |
| Energy supplement | $14.10 |
$21.20 |
| Total payment (per fortnight) |
$1,149.00 | $1,732.20 |
Assets test
The assets test is one factor taken into account to work out if you can get the Age Pension and how much you might get. Your assets include property or possessions you own or have interest in, including any assets held outside Australia. The assets test doesn't usually include the home you live in, which is considered your primary place of residence.
See a full list of assets included in the assets test.
Different limits apply depending on:
Your Age Pension amount starts reducing by $3.00 for every $1,000 your assets exceed the lower limit.
Homeowners (own or paying off)
|
If the value of your assets is lower than |
If the value of your assets is more than |
Single |
$321,500 |
$705,400 |
Couple – combined assets |
$481,500 |
$1,059,000 |
Couple, separated due to illness – combined assets |
$481,500 |
$1,247,500 |
|
Full Age Pension payable |
No Age Pension payable |
Non-homeowner (renting or living in rent-free accommodation)
|
If the value of your assets is lower than |
If the value of your assets is more than |
Single |
$579,500 |
$962,500 |
Couple – combined assets |
$739,500 |
$1,317,000 |
Couple, separated due to illness – combined assets |
$739,500 |
$1,505,500 |
|
Full Age Pension payable |
No Age Pension payable |
Amounts as at 1 July 2025.
Learn more about the assets test at Services Australia.
Income test
Your income determines if you’re eligible for the Age Pension and how much you’ll receive. Income includes things like wages from employment, some pension payments and annuity payments, rental income from investment properties and income from outside of Australia.
See a full list of things taken into account in the income test.
Different limits apply to singles and couples. From 1 July 2025 these limits are:
Household |
You are entitled to a full Age Pension if: |
Your Age Pension will reduce by: |
You are not entitled to an Age Pension if: |
Single |
You earn less than $218 per fortnight |
50 cents for every dollar of fortnightly income above $218 |
You earn more than $2,516 per fortnight |
Couple (combined income) |
You earn less than $380 per fortnight |
25 cents for every dollar of fortnightly income above $380 |
You earn more than $3,844.40 per fortnight |
Find out more about the income test at Services Australia.
Work Bonus
Different to a traditional ‘bonus’ where you get extra money, the Work Bonus means you can work a few hours each fortnight, without reducing the amount of Age Pension you get.
You don’t need to apply for the Work Bonus. When you claim the Age Pension, declare your income. The Work Bonus reduces the amount of your income that's counted in the income test.
Here’s how it works:
Find out more about the Work Bonus at Services Australia.
Use the retirement income estimate calculator to understand what your super balance might look like when you put the tools down.
Estimate my super balance
Learn more about retirement and super at a Cbus webinar.
These online sessions are relaxed, informal, and provided as part of your Cbus membership.
Topics include retirement planning, the Age Pension and transition to retirement.
Our Advice team can help you understand your options and offers different levels of guidance depending on what you need.
Cbus is proud to partner with Retirement Essentials, experts in simplifying the Age Pension claim process.
Get a free eligibility calculation, with a fee payable when you finish your application. You can complete your application online, with telephone support if you need it.
Will my super affect my Age Pension?
Yes, your super is included in the income test and assets test, which can impact your eligibility and Age Pension amounts.
If your partner is under 67, only the balance of their income streams or 'retirement phase' accounts will be counted. Their accumulation-phase accounts will not be counted until your partner turns 67.
How can I work out how much Age Pension I will get?
The exact Age Pension amount you may get is affected by a number of factors, so it can be complex to work out. While the information on this page will give you some guidance, we recommend you use the Retirement Essentials Age Pension calculator to get an estimate.
The actual Age Pension amount you get will be advised by Services Australia and will depend upon your personal circumstances.
How much income or assets can I have?
The amount of income or assets you can have depends on whether you’re single or part of a couple, and if you own your own home (outright or paying off). Learn more about how Services Australia assesses this with the asset and income tests.
What happens if my income or assets change?
It’s important to let Centrelink know about any changes as soon as possible, so your entitlement can be updated.
What happens if I'm not eligible for the Age Pension?
You may not qualify for the full Age Pension, but you could be eligible for a part Age Pension payment. If you’re not eligible to receive an Age Pension payment, you may be eligible to get a Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card subject to meeting certain criteria. Chat to Centrelink to check your options.
Some Australians aren't eligible for the Age Pension when they first turn 67, but as the asset and income test thresholds are increased each year, they may become eligible in the future. If you're not eligible at first, it can be good to check your Age Pension eligibility on a regular basis.
