Starting in 2025, Age Pension and senior benefits in Australia will be available to anyone who will be 67 years old in that year and who will be passing a few simple qualifying tests and steps to take. It will involve showing proof of age, residency, income, and assets, and documentation preparation. This will describe expectations for recently retired Australians or older Australians who are just about to reach pension age.
Qualifying Age and Residency Requirements
In 2025, the qualifying age for the Age Pension in Australia will be 67 years for men and women, and no further increases are planned beyond that. Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents or one of the people that have lived in Australia for the last 10 years, including the last 5 years uninterrupted.
Explanation of Income and Assets Tests
The last means tests also take into account the two financial means tests. The income and assets tests probably also had to be completed because of the age and residency requirements and the two financial means tests. The limits in the income and assets tests also seem to impact the amount of the full pension. To qualify for a full pension, singles, whether homeowners or not, need to have assets under $321,500, and non-homeowners need to have less than $579,500. Couples’ combined assets should be under $481,500, and for couples not having a home, they should be under $739,500. Income limits also seem to be within the same amount to qualify for a full pension. Singles need to earn under $218 and couples combined earn up to $384 per fortnight.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Documents such as a residency proof, income and assets proof, and birth certificate need to be compiled.
- A Centrelink account will need to be created, which is linked to myGov, the Australian government’s online portal.
- Complete the online Age Pension application. A combined claim will make the process easier if applying as a couple.
- Call the Older Australians line and request the forms to be mailed to you or visit a service center if you cannot submit online.
- Check that the details in the claim are current and accurate.Pension Rates and Extra Benefits
In September 2025, the Age pension base rate changed, and for singles, it climbed to $1,178.70, which amounts to roughly $30,646 each year. For couples, each partner earns $888.50 per fortnight, and together, they build $1,777 every fortnight, a total of $46,202 a year. These amounts may change due to the income and assets tests and may include Rent Assistance and other aids. Also, the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card may be provided, helping with the costs of medications and utilities.
Senior Benefits Beyond the Pension
Beyond the Age Pension, seniors get access to other benefits and concessions which include the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and other state Seniors Cards. These provide discounts on everyday expenses, healthcare, transportation, and more.
Very Short Table of Form Data
| Requirement | Basic Criteria |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 67 in 2025 |
| Residency | 10 years + 5 continuous |
| Asset Limit (single) | $321,500 (homeowner) |
| Income Limit (single) | $218/fortnight |
| Pension Rate (single) | $1,178.70/fortnight |
Common Questions
1. When should I apply for the Age Pension?
You can apply for it as early as 13 weeks before you turn 67.
2. Can I receive pension overseas?
You can, but there are specific rules on payment, and you have to comply with the residency rules.
3. Do I automatically get senior cards with the Age Pension?
Pensioners are automatically issued the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, but some state Seniors Cards need a separate application.
