The Age Pension

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.

Different limits apply to couples and singles. From March 2025 these limits are:

• If you’re single your pension amount reduces by 50 cents for every dollar you earn over $212
• If you’re a couple your pension reduces by 25 cents for every dollar you earn over $372 (as a combined income)

Find out more about the income test at Services Australia.

If you’re over the Age Pension age, the Work Bonus can help you earn extra income without reducing your Age Pension payments. Here’s how it works:

• The first $300 of fortnightly income from employment is not included under the income test
• If you earn less than $300 in a fortnight or don’t work at all, any unused amount is added to a Work Bonus income bank
• The Work Bonus income bank can grow up to a maximum of $11,800
• Accumulated Work Bonus amounts are used to further reduce your income before the income test is applied
• Newly eligible pensioners start with a $4,000 Work Bonus balance

Find out more about the Work Bonus at Services Australia.

Your assets also impact your eligibility and Age Pension amount. Assets include property or possessions you own or have interest in, including any assets held outside Australia. They don’t usually include the home you live in, which is considered your primary place of residence.

Different limits apply, depending on:

• If you’re single, a couple or a couple not living together due to illness or infirmity
• If you’re a homeowner or not

Homeowners (own or paying off)

Non-homeowner (renting or living in rent-free accommodation)

Amounts as at March 2025.

Learn more about the assets test at Services Australia.

Yes, your super is included in the income test and assets test, which can impact your eligibility and Age Pension amounts.

The exact 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 contact Centrelink directly to discuss your personal circumstances.

This depends on whether you’re single or part of a couple, and if you own your own home (outright or paying off).

It’s important to let Centrelink know about any changes as soon as possible.

You may not qualify for the full Age Pension, but you could be eligible for a part 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.