Age Pension Rates (from 20 March 2026)
| Situation | Max Rate (per fortnight, inc. supplements) |
|---|---|
| Single | ~$1,146 |
| Couple (combined) | ~$1,725 |
| Couple, separated due to illness (each) | ~$1,146 |
Eligibility
- Age: 67 or older
- Residency: Australian resident, lived in Australia for at least 10 years (with at least 5 continuous years)
- Income and assets tests: Both apply — the test that results in a lower payment is the one used
Income Test
| Full Pension | Part Pension Cuts Out | |
|---|---|---|
| Single | Up to ~$204/fn income | ~$2,444/fn |
| Couple (combined) | Up to ~$360/fn income | ~$3,737/fn |
Work Bonus: Pensioners can earn up to $300/fortnight from employment without it counting toward the income test. This is in addition to the income-free area above.
Assets Test
| Homeowner (full pension) | Non-Homeowner (full pension) | |
|---|---|---|
| Single | Up to ~$314,000 | Up to ~$566,000 |
| Couple (combined) | Up to ~$470,000 | Up to ~$722,000 |
Your home is not counted as an asset (as long as you live in it). Super in accumulation phase (before retirement) is counted as an asset.
Pension Supplement and Extras
The rates above include the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement. You also get a Pensioner Concession Card — which gives you PBS scripts at $7.70 (free after Safety Net), energy rebates, transport concessions, and council rate discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Age Pension?
About $1,146/fortnight for singles and $1,725/fortnight for couples (combined), from March 2026. These include supplements and are indexed twice yearly.
Can I get the pension if I have super?
Yes. Your super balance counts as an asset in the assets test, and your super pension income counts in the income test. Many retirees get a partial pension in addition to their super income.
When can I apply?
You can apply up to 13 weeks before you turn 67. Apply through myGov → Centrelink. Processing takes about 5–8 weeks.
Is the Age Pension taxable?
Technically yes, but most full pensioners pay no tax due to the Seniors and Pensioners Tax Offset (SAPTO), which effectively raises the tax-free threshold to ~$33,000 for singles.