๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Official Rates โ€” Updated March 2026

Your Age Pension,
made simple.

Clear, friendly guidance to help Australians aged 67 and over understand, check eligibility, and successfully apply for the Age Pension โ€” without the jargon or stress.

$1,200.90
Max fortnightly payment โ€” single person
$1,810.40
Max fortnightly payment โ€” couple (combined)
2.5M+
Australians currently receiving the Age Pension
โœ…

Eligibility Checker

Answer 5 simple questions to find out if you may qualify.

Get started โ†’
๐Ÿ’ต

Current Rates

Latest fortnightly payment amounts for singles and couples.

View rates โ†’
๐Ÿ“‹

How to Apply

Step-by-step guidance through the entire application process.

See steps โ†’
๐Ÿงฎ

Payment Estimator

Get a personalised estimate of your fortnightly pension.

Calculate โ†’
๐Ÿ“…
Rates updated 20 March 2026. Current rates apply from 20 March 2026 to 19 September 2026. The next scheduled update is September 2026. Always check Services Australia for the very latest figures before applying.
At a glance

Key Facts About the Age Pension

67
Minimum eligibility age
$1,200.90
Max single payment per fortnight
$1,810.40
Max couple payment (combined) per fortnight
10 yrs
Minimum Australian residency required

ItemDetails
Administered byCentrelink / Services Australia
How often is it paid?Every fortnight (every 2 weeks)
When are rates updated?Every March and September
How many Australians receive it?Over 2.5 million people
Can you receive it while still working?Yes โ€” subject to income test thresholds
Quick Start

Not sure where to begin? Start here.

Most people follow these four steps โ€” click any step to get started.

1
Check EligibilitySee if you qualify
2
Check the RatesKnow what you could get
3
Use the EstimatorEstimate your payment
4
ApplyFollow our step guide
โœ… Eligibility Checker

Do I Qualify for the Age Pension?

Answer 5 simple questions and we'll tell you whether you may be eligible โ€” takes about 2 minutes.

โš ๏ธ
This checker is a general guide only. Your actual eligibility is determined by Centrelink. For a definitive answer, call Services Australia on 132 300.
Question 1 of 5
How old are you?
The Age Pension is available to Australians aged 67 and over.
Question 2 of 5
Are you an Australian resident?
You need to be an Australian resident and have lived in Australia for at least 10 years (with at least 5 continuous).
Question 3 of 5
What is your relationship status?
This affects your payment rate and the income/asset thresholds that apply to you.
Question 4 of 5
Do you own your home?
Your home (if you live in it) is not counted as an asset โ€” but homeownership affects which asset thresholds apply to you.
Question 5 of 5
Approximately what are your total assessable assets?
Include savings, investments, superannuation, vehicles โ€” but NOT your family home or basic household contents.
๐Ÿ’ต Rates & Thresholds

Age Pension Rates โ€” March 2026

All figures current from 20 March 2026 to 19 September 2026, as published by Services Australia.

โœ…
Rates are updated every March and September. Next update: 20 March 2026.

๐Ÿ’ต Maximum Fortnightly Payments

๐Ÿ‘ค Single Person

Maximum full Age Pension

Base Rate$1,079.70
Pension Supplement$84.90
Energy Supplement$14.10
Total (per fortnight)$1,200.90โ‰ˆ $31,223 per year

๐Ÿ‘ซ Couple (each person)

Maximum full Age Pension

Base Rate (each)$813.90
Pension Supplement (each)$64.00
Energy Supplement (each)$10.60
Each person (per fortnight)$905.20
Combined total$1,810.40โ‰ˆ $47,070 per year

Couples Separated Due to Illness

If you and your partner are separated due to illness, respite care, or prison, you each receive the single rate of $1,200.90 per fortnight โ€” a combined total of $2,401.80 per fortnight.

๐Ÿฆ Assets Test Thresholds

Your home is NOT counted as an asset. Everything else is โ€” savings, super, investments, cars, and other property.

SituationFull Pension (assets below)Part Pension (assets below)No Pension (assets above)
Single โ€” Homeowner$321,500$714,500$714,500+
Single โ€” Non-Homeowner$579,500$972,500$972,500+
Couple โ€” Homeowner (combined)$481,500$1,074,000$1,074,000+
Couple โ€” Non-Homeowner (combined)$739,500$1,332,000$1,332,000+
๐Ÿ“Œ
If your assets exceed the full pension threshold, your pension reduces by $3.00 per fortnight for every $1,000 over the limit, until it reaches zero at the part pension cutoff.

๐Ÿ’ผ Income Test Thresholds

SituationFull Pension (income below)Part Pension (income below)
Single$218/fortnight$2,575.40/fortnight
Couple (combined)$380/fortnight$3,934.00/fortnight
๐Ÿ’ผ
The Work Bonus lets you earn up to $300/fortnight from employment without it affecting your pension. Unused amounts (up to $11,800) can be banked for future fortnights.

๐Ÿ“Š Deeming Rates (from March 2026)

SituationFirst thresholdLow rateHigher rate
SingleFirst $64,2001.25%3.25% (above $64,200)
Couple (combined)First $106,2001.25%3.25% (above $106,200)

๐Ÿ  What Counts as an Asset?

โœ— Counted as assets
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Bank accounts & savings
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Shares & managed funds
  • ๐Ÿ˜๏ธ Investment properties
  • ๐Ÿš— Vehicles & boats
  • ๐Ÿ’Ž Jewellery & artworks
  • ๐Ÿฆ Superannuation (at pension age)
โœ“ Exempt from assets test
  • ๐Ÿก Your family home (principal residence)
  • โšฐ๏ธ Prepaid funeral bonds (up to limit)
  • ๐Ÿ›‹๏ธ Household contents & furniture
  • โ™ฟ Aids for disability or illness
  • ๐ŸŽ—๏ธ Some compensation payments
๐Ÿ“‹ Step-by-Step Guide

How to Apply for the Age Pension

We've broken the process into clear steps so you know exactly what to do โ€” and what to have ready.

๐Ÿ’ก
Apply up to 13 weeks before your 67th birthday so payments start as soon as you become eligible. You cannot claim back-pay for periods before you applied.
1
Before you start

Confirm Your Eligibility

Make sure you meet the basic requirements: aged 67+, Australian resident for 10+ years, and you pass the income and assets tests.

Age 67+Australian resident10 years residency
2
Step 2

Set Up a myGov Account

You'll need a myGov account linked to Centrelink to apply online โ€” or you can apply in person at a Centrelink service centre.

How to create a myGov account
  • Go to my.gov.au and click "Create an account"
  • You'll need an email address and mobile phone for a security code
  • Once created, link Centrelink under "Link a service"
  • Verify your identity using Medicare card, passport or driver's licence
  • Call 132 307 for myGov help
myGov accountEmail addressMobile phone
3
Step 3

Gather Your Documents

Having these ready before you start will make the application much smoother. Tick them off using our checklist.

See full document list
  • Identity: Passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate
  • Tax File Number (TFN) โ€” yours and your partner's
  • Bank accounts: Statements from all accounts (last 3 months)
  • Superannuation: Latest statement from every fund
  • Investments: Share portfolio, managed funds, or term deposit documents
  • Property: Council rate notices or valuations for investment properties
  • Vehicle: Registration papers for cars, caravans, boats
  • Partner details: All of the above for your partner, if applicable
Passport / birth certTax File NumberBank statementsSuper statements
4
Step 4

Lodge Your Claim

You can apply online through myGov, by calling Centrelink, or by visiting a service centre in person.

How to apply online (step by step)
  • Sign in to my.gov.au and click Centrelink
  • Select "Make a claim" from the menu
  • Choose "Age Pension" under payments for older Australians
  • Answer all questions about age, residency, income and assets
  • Upload your supporting documents
  • Review and submit โ€” you'll receive a reference number
Online via myGovPhone: 132 300In person at Centrelink
5
Step 5

Wait for a Decision

Centrelink will review your claim and may contact you if they need more information. Processing typically takes 2โ€“6 weeks if documents are complete.

Tips for a faster outcome
  • Make sure ALL documents are uploaded โ€” missing documents are the most common cause of delays
  • Respond quickly if Centrelink contacts you
  • Check your myGov inbox regularly for updates
  • You can track your claim progress in the myGov app
๐ŸŽ‰
Step 6 โ€” You're done!

Receive Your Payments

Once approved, your Age Pension is paid fortnightly into your nominated bank account, usually on Wednesdays. You'll also receive a letter confirming your payment rate.

Paid fortnightlyDirect to your bankUsually Wednesdays
Need help?

Useful Contacts

Age Pension Enquiries
132 300
Monโ€“Fri, 8amโ€“5pm
myGov Help
132 307
Monโ€“Fri, 7amโ€“10pm
Multilingual Services
131 202
Monโ€“Fri, 8amโ€“5pm
National Debt Helpline
1800 007 007
Monโ€“Fri, 9:30amโ€“4:30pm
๐Ÿงฎ Interactive Tools

Tools to Help You Plan

Estimate your payment, test the thresholds, prepare your application, and get your questions answered.

โš ๏ธ
These tools provide estimates only. Your actual payment is determined by Centrelink. Always confirm with Services Australia on 132 300.
Payment Estimator

Estimate Your Fortnightly Age Pension

Fill in your details below for an estimate based on current rates and thresholds.

Include savings, super, investments, vehicles โ€” but NOT your home.
Include wages, rent, and other regular income per fortnight.
Estimated fortnightly Age Pension
$0.00
This is an estimate based on your inputs and current published rates. Centrelink assesses both tests and pays the lower result. Always confirm with Services Australia on 132 300.
๐ŸŽฌ Video Guides

Age Pension Video Guides

Short, friendly videos to help you understand the Age Pension โ€” watch at your own pace.

๐Ÿ“ฑ
Follow us on TikTok and Facebook for regular tips, traps and updates on the Age Pension โ€” new videos posted every week!

๐ŸŽฌ Watch Our Latest Videos

Click any video below to watch โ€” all free, no sign-up needed.

๐Ÿก HEAS Series โ€” Part 1 of 4

HEAS Explained | What is the Home Equity Access Scheme?

An introduction to the Home Equity Access Scheme โ€” what it is, how it works, and who it's designed to help.

โญ Start Here

Everything You Need to Know About the Age Pension โ€“ In Under 4 Minutes

New to the Age Pension? This is the perfect place to start โ€” a clear, friendly overview of everything you need to know.

๐Ÿ’ผ Work & Pension

Can You Still Work and Receive the Australian Age Pension?

Yes you can! Find out how the Work Bonus works and how much you can earn without it affecting your Age Pension payments.

๐Ÿ“… March 2026 Update

Age Pension Eligibility & Payment Threshold Changes โ€” 20th March 2026

The latest rate and threshold changes explained โ€” what changed on 20 March 2026 and what it means for your payments.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Superannuation

$46,500 Per Year for Life with Only $250,000 in Super

Discover how combining your superannuation with the Age Pension could deliver $46,500 per year for life โ€” even with a modest super balance.

๐Ÿ“ฑ
Don't miss a video!
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