Social security, particularly the Age Pension, plays a large role in the lives of retirees. For many this will be the primary source of retirement income while for others it can act as financial security in the event their retirement savings are exhausted.
These are the most common forms of social security for retirees to access:
To be eligible for Age Pension you must be of Age Pension age, meet the residence rules and satisfy an income and assets test.
The full rules and eligibility criteria can be found on the Services Australia website.
There are two payment rates for the Age Pension:
The amount you may be entitled to receive is determined through two assessments:
There are different rates of Age Pension payments for single and partnered people. If you have a partner you will need income and asset information for both of you.
The rates as at 20 September 2024 are as follows:
| Per fortnight | Single | Couple each | Couple combined | Couple apart due to ill health |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum basic rate | $1,047.10 | $789.30 | $1,578.60 | $1,047.10 |
| Maximum Pension Supplement | $83.20 | $62.70 | $125.40 | $83.20 |
| Energy Supplement | $14.10 | $10.60 | $21.20 | $14.10 |
| Total | $1,144.40 | $862.60 | $1,725.20 | $1,144.40 |
You can learn more about the rates on the Government's Services Australia website.
How much Age Pension you are eligible for depends on the value of your assets including your superannuation, your homeownership status and if you’re in a relationship.
There are limits to how much you can have to get the Age Pension. These limits are referred to the assets test limits.
Your assets include any property or possessions you own in full, in part, or have an interest in. This also includes your superannuation savings.
The Department of Social Services reviews these limits and cut off points in March, July and September each year.
Your income can reduce how much Age Pension you will receive.
The Department of Social Services will assess both your and your partner’s income from all sources. This includes financial assets such as savings, shares and your superannuation.
To work out how much income your financial assets produce, they use deeming.
If you or your partner work, you’ll need to report any employment income you’ve been paid.
As you near retirement, it's natural to start thinking about how your superannuation and the government Age Pension can work together to optimise your retirement income.
Our financial planners can help you determine your eligibility and maximise your entitlements. They can also assist with applications and annual assessments.
You can also check your eligibility online with Retirement Essentials, an unrelated online service that simplifies the eligibility and application process for the Age Pension and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.*
Learn about super contributions, retirement, investing and more through interactive modules.
Learn about super contributions, retirement, investing and more through interactive modules.
*Retirement Essentials is an independent online service and is not affiliated with Togethr Trustees. Any advice received through Retirement Essentials will be provided by another Australian Financial Services Licensee. Members may incur a cost when using this service to apply for the Age Pension and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
