Age Pension Australia 2026: Rates, Eligibility & How to Apply
Complete guide to Age Pension rates, eligibility, income and assets tests, and the application process through Services Australia.
Age Pension payments in Australia for 2026 provide essential retirement income support for millions of older Australians. From 20 March 2026, the maximum Age Pension rate is $1,200.90 per fortnight for singles and $905.20 each for couples ($1,810.40 combined), including the Pension and Energy Supplements. This guide explains Age Pension eligibility, income and assets testing, the application process, and what affects your payment.
The Age Pension continues to play a vital role in supporting older Australians with the cost of living after retirement. As inflation, housing costs, and healthcare expenses remain key concerns, understanding how the Age Pension works has become increasingly important. While no major legislative changes have been introduced in 2026, pension rates, income thresholds, and asset limits continue to be indexed to reflect economic conditions.
From 20 March 2026, the maximum Age Pension is $1,200.90 per fortnight for a single person and $905.20 each for a couple ($1,810.40 combined), including the Pension and Energy Supplements. You must be 67 or older, meet Australian residency rules, and pass an income test and an assets test — Centrelink pays whichever test gives the lower amount. Rates are reviewed automatically every March and September, so you don’t need to reapply when they change.
What Is the Age Pension in Australia?
The Age Pension is a government payment administered by Services Australia through Centrelink. It is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible older Australians who meet specific age, residency, and means-testing requirements. Payments are made fortnightly and adjusted automatically through indexation in March and September each year.
The amount a person receives depends on their income and assets. Both tests are applied, and whichever produces the lower payment determines the final pension rate. The Age Pension is not means-tested on the family home, which is generally exempt from the assets test.
Age Pension Payment Rates for 2026
Age Pension rates in 2026 reflect the most recent indexation applied from 20 March 2026. The maximum fortnightly Age Pension payment for a single person, including the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement, is $1,200.90. For couples, each partner may receive up to $905.20 per fortnight, resulting in a combined maximum payment of $1,810.40.
| Recipient | Per fortnight | Approx. per year |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,200.90 | ~$31,223 |
| Couple (each) | $905.20 | ~$23,535 |
| Couple (combined) | $1,810.40 | ~$47,070 |
| Couple separated due to illness (combined) | $2,401.80 | ~$62,447 |
Figures include the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement. This was an increase of $22.20/fortnight for singles and $16.70/person for couples over the previous rate. Source: Department of Social Services indexation, effective 20 March 2026. The next scheduled review is 20 September 2026.
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Age Pension Age Requirement in 2026
The Age Pension qualifying age is 67 years for both men and women, and this has not changed for 2026. You can lodge a claim up to 13 weeks before you reach Age Pension age, which helps avoid a delay in your first payment.
Eligibility Criteria for the Age Pension
Eligibility for the Age Pension in Australia in 2026 is determined by three key factors:
- Age: at least 67 years old.
- Residency: an Australian resident at the time of claiming, generally with at least 10 years of Australian residence, including 5 continuous years.
- Means testing: you must pass both the income test and the assets test — Centrelink pays whichever test results in the lower amount.
If you don’t qualify for a full or part Age Pension because your income or assets are too high, you may still be eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, which gives access to cheaper medicines and other concessions.
How the Age Pension Income Test Works
A single person can earn up to $226 per fortnight (couples combined: $396) before their Age Pension starts reducing. Above that, the pension drops by 50 cents per dollar for singles, or 25 cents per dollar per person for couples, cutting off entirely at $2,627.80/fortnight (single) or $4,016.80/fortnight (couple combined).
The income test counts most income sources — wages, self-employment earnings, superannuation income streams, rental income, and returns on financial investments (assessed via deeming, explained below).
| Income free area | Cuts off at | |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $226/fortnight | $2,627.80/fortnight |
| Couple (combined) | $396/fortnight | $4,016.80/fortnight |
Age Pension Assets Test Explained
A single homeowner can hold assessable assets up to about $321,500 and still get the full Age Pension; for a homeowner couple combined, the figure is around $481,500. Above these thresholds, the pension reduces by $3/fortnight for every $1,000 in extra assets until it cuts off completely. Your family home is exempt.
Assessable assets include savings, shares, managed funds, investment properties, vehicles, and other valuable personal property. Non-homeowners are allowed a higher threshold to account for not owning property.
Asset-free thresholds are reviewed regularly — always confirm your current threshold at servicesaustralia.gov.au before making financial decisions.
Deeming Rates and Financial Assets in 2026
Rather than assessing what your financial assets actually earn, Centrelink applies a standard “deemed” rate of return for the income test. As of 20 March 2026, the deeming rates are:
- Single: 1.25% on the first $64,200 of financial assets, 3.25% on the remainder.
- Couple (combined): 1.25% on the first $106,200, 3.25% on the remainder.
Working While Receiving the Age Pension
You can continue working after you start receiving the Age Pension. The Work Bonus lets you earn a set amount of employment income each fortnight without it counting toward the income test, and any unused amount accumulates in an income bank you can draw down later. The Work Bonus applies to employment and eligible self-employment income only — not investment income — and each member of a couple has their own separate entitlement.
For more details on managing your Age Pension while working, visit the Services Australia Work Bonus page.
How to Apply for the Age Pension
- Check your eligibility against the age, residency, income and assets rules above.
- Gather documents: proof of identity, residency history, income, assets, and bank account details.
- Lodge your claim online via myGov linked to Centrelink — up to 13 weeks before you reach Age Pension age — or apply on paper or in person at a service centre.
- Respond promptly to any request from Services Australia for extra documentation.
- Once approved, payments begin from your assessed start date and continue fortnightly.
Know your payment dates
Check when your next Age Pension payment lands, including public holiday adjustments.
Age Pension and Overseas Travel
You can generally keep receiving your Age Pension for up to 26 weeks while overseas. After that, your rate may be reduced based on your Australian Working Life Residence — the years you lived in Australia between age 16 and Age Pension age. Some supplements stop after extended time overseas, and international social security agreements can affect your rate in certain countries.
If your payment doesn’t arrive while travelling, check your reporting obligations before contacting Centrelink.
Reporting Changes & Reviews
You must tell Centrelink promptly if your income, assets, relationship status, or residency changes — failing to report can lead to overpayments, debts, or a suspended payment. Services Australia also reviews Age Pension payments periodically, and rates update automatically each March and September without you needing to reapply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current Age Pension rate in Australia for 2026?
From 20 March 2026, the maximum Age Pension rate is $1,200.90 per fortnight for a single person and $905.20 each for a couple ($1,810.40 combined), including supplements. Your actual payment depends on your income and assets.
What age do you qualify for the Age Pension?
67 years, for both men and women. You can claim up to 13 weeks before reaching that age.
How often is the Age Pension indexed?
Twice a year, on 20 March and 20 September, based on CPI, wage growth and cost-of-living measures.
Can I work while receiving the Age Pension?
Yes. The Work Bonus lets you earn a set amount of employment income each fortnight before it affects your Age Pension, with unused amounts banked for later.
Is superannuation counted for the Age Pension?
Generally yes, once you’re over Age Pension age — super in accumulation or income-stream form is usually assessed under the income and assets tests, with income streams often subject to deeming.
What happens if I don’t qualify for the Age Pension?
You may still be eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, which provides cheaper medicines and other concessions even without a pension payment.
How do I find my Centrelink CRN if I’ve lost it?
You can retrieve your CRN through myGov, the Express Plus Centrelink app, a linked Medicare card, or by visiting a service centre with ID. Follow our How to Find Your Centrelink CRN guide for step-by-step instructions.
Disclaimer: AssistInfoAU provides general information about Age Pension and other Centrelink payments. We are an independent publisher and are not affiliated with Services Australia, Centrelink, or any Australian Government department, and we cannot access or change your personal Centrelink record.
Rates, thresholds and rules are set by the Australian Government and can change without notice. This article was checked against Services Australia and Department of Social Services publications on 17 July 2026 — always confirm current figures at servicesaustralia.gov.au or by calling Centrelink on 132 300 before making financial decisions. See our full Disclaimer, Editorial Policy, and Privacy Policy.