Loading...

Table of Contents

 

Check your Age Pension eligibility

 

The Age Pension provides regular fortnightly payments from Centrelink to support your retirement and can be a valuable component of your retirement income.

If you have reached Age Pension age you may be eligible for the Government Age Pension and other benefits including the Pensioner Concession Card, Pension Supplement and Rent Assistance. 

You can get the Age Pension if you:
  • Have reached pension age (currently 67)
  • Are an Australian resident (for at least ten years)
  • Pass Centrelink's Income and Assets tests

Subscribe to horizons

Horizons is our free newsletter designed for Australian retirees or those planning their retirement. Subscribe now to receive the latest information to help you live well in retirement.

 

How much can you get on the Age Pension?

 

The amount you could receive depends on whether you’re a single or a couple and these rates change twice a year in March and September. Here are the current Age Pension rates:

As at March 2025*
Fortnightly
Annual
Single$1,149.00$29,874.00
Couple combined$1,732.20$45,037.20

 

*Source: Services Australia. Figures include Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement. Maximum Normal rates of Age Pension before tax.

 

Visit the Services Australia website for full details.

Use our Retire with Confidence tool

Estimate the longevity of your savings, determine your potential Age Pension and craft a secure lifetime income plan, safeguarding your retirement amidst market uncertainties.

 

Income and Asset test  

 

Your rate of Age Pension is calculated under both an assets test and an income test. The test resulting in the lowest rate will apply.

  • Income test
  • Assets test

Visit the Services Australia website for full details.

 

How a Challenger lifetime annuity can help improve your Age Pension eligibility

 

Purchasing a lifetime annuity could immediately increase your Age Pension payments. Unlike many investments which are 100% assessable for the assets test, some lifetime annuities are partially exempt. 

Under the Asset Test - Only 60% of the amount invested into a Challenger lifetime annuity counts towards the relevant Centrelink/ Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) asset test, through to age 85 (or until age 84 for lifetime income streams commenced from 1 July 2019 to 31 December 2024), subject to a minimum of 5 years. From then onwards, only 30% of the purchase price will count.  

Under the Income Test - Only 60% of your lifetime annuity payments are assessable. For example, where a lifetime income stream pays an annual income of $5,000, only $3,000 will be assessed under the income test. 
 

This is general information only, and we recommend you get advice regarding your individual circumstances. Your local Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs office can help answer any question you may have. A financial adviser can also help.

 

Find out more about Challenger’s Lifetime annuities.

 

Concession cards

 

There are several different types of concession cards so it pays to know your entitlement. The type of card you are given is determined by the Centrelink or DVA benefits which you are receiving.

Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) 
Low Income Health Care Card (LIHCC) 
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) 
Veterans
Loading...

 

FAQs

How much can I earn before my income affects my Age Pension?
Is the Age Pension assessable income?
Is the Age Pension tax free?
What age can you get the Age Pension in Australia?
What assets are included for the Age Pension?
What is the income limit for the Age Pension?
What additional financial assistance can I get from Centrelink?
How work after retirement can pay off
Accessing your Age Pension overseas

 

Additional reading

lifetime annuity

What is an annuity?

An annuity is a financial product that can be used to provide you with guaranteed regular income, which can make it a valuable part of your retirement portfolio.

Happy Senior Couple on Scooter

Start planning for retirement

Our Guide to a confident retirement has been designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge to help you retire with confidence.

Agent and Couple Celebrate Deal Completion

Value of advice

Getting quality financial advice is essential to building confidence in retirement. A financial adviser can help you create a successful retirement strategy to achieve your goals.

Subscribe to Horizons


Horizons is our free newsletter designed for Australian retirees or those planning their retirement. Subscribe now to receive the latest information to help you live well in retirement.