If you’ve been asking, “Will retirement age change in 2026?”, you’re not alone.
With cost-of-living pressures rising and government policies constantly evolving, many Australians approaching their 60s are wondering whether the retirement age might change again either going up or down.
Let’s explore what’s currently confirmed, what could potentially change, and what it all means for your super, your Age Pension, and your future retirement plans.
What Is the Current Retirement Age in Australia?
Before we talk about 2026, it’s important to clarify what “retirement age” actually means in Australia. There isn’t just one age there are two key milestones:
1️⃣ Preservation Age (Super Access Age) – the age you can access your superannuation.
2️⃣ Age Pension Age – the age you qualify for the government’s Age Pension.
1. Superannuation Preservation Age
Your preservation age depends on your birth year.
As of now, anyone born after 1 July 1964 has a preservation age of 60.
That means you can access your super once you:
- Turn 60, and
- Retire from the workforce (or meet another “condition of release”).
No change is expected to this rule in 2026.
The preservation age of 60 is considered stable, sustainable, and already accounts for longer life expectancy.
2. Age Pension Age
The Age Pension age officially reached 67 years on 1 July 2023, applying to everyone born on or after 1 January 1957.At the time, there were discussions about increasing it to 70 years but that plan was cancelled in 2018 following public opposition.
Since then, the government has not announced any new increase, and no change is scheduled for 2026.
Will Retirement Age Change in 2026?
As of early 2025, there is no confirmed plan or proposal to change the retirement age in 2026.
Here’s what you need to know:
The Age Pension age will remain at 67
The government has given no indication of lowering or increasing it. It’s considered balanced for Australia’s life expectancy and workforce participation.
Super access will remain at 60
There’s no change to the preservation age, meaning you’ll still be able to access your super at 60 if you retire.
⚠️ But… ongoing reviews may shape future policies
Treasury and the Department of Social Services continuously review retirement policy to ensure the system stays sustainable as Australians live longer. While 2026 changes are not expected, future reviews after 2030 could revisit this discussion.
Why the Retirement Age Is Unlikely to Change in 2026
There are several reasons the government isn’t planning a shift right now:
1️⃣ Stability After Years of Adjustment
The Age Pension age only reached 67 in 2023 after a decade of phased increases. Policymakers prefer to keep the system stable for now rather than cause more disruption.
2️⃣ Political Sensitivity
Raising the retirement age is unpopular, especially during a cost-of-living crisis. No major party wants to propose it in the near term.
3️⃣ Longer Lifespans, Gradual Policy
Australians are living into their 80s and 90s. Rather than sudden changes, the government tends to take a slow, long-term approach adjusting retirement policies gradually over decades.
4️⃣ Emphasis on Flexibility
The trend is toward flexible retirement letting people work part-time, semi-retire, or phase into retirement rather than strictly changing the legal age.
What Might Change Instead in 2026?
While the official retirement age won’t change, 2026 may still bring related updates that affect when or how you retire:
1. Super Guarantee (SG) Increases
The compulsory employer super contribution (SG rate) is set to rise from 11.5% in July 2025 to 12% in July 2026.
This change boosts your long-term retirement savings rather than delaying access.
2. Retirement Income Covenant Reviews
The government is reviewing how super funds help retirees turn savings into income. In 2026, expect more guidance from funds on income streams and retirement planning tools.
3. Tax and Contribution Threshold Adjustments
Each federal budget may adjust contribution caps, tax offsets, or income tests, indirectly affecting how much you can save and withdraw.
How to Plan Your Retirement If the Age Stays at 67
Even if the retirement age doesn’t change in 2026, it’s still crucial to plan ahead especially if you want the freedom to retire early or transition gradually out of work.
Here’s how you can build a strong, flexible strategy for your retirement years:
Plan for the “Gap Years” (60–67)
If you plan to retire at 60, remember that the Age Pension doesn’t start until age 67.
That means you’ll need around seven years of self-funded income to bridge the gap between when you stop working and when government support kicks in.
This can come from your superannuation, savings, or investments.
For example, if your desired income is $5,000 a month, you’ll need roughly $420,000–$450,000 set aside to cover that seven-year window before the pension begins.
Tip: Consider keeping your super invested during these years (via an account-based pension) to maintain growth while drawing income.
Use an Account-Based Pension
Once you reach 60, you can convert your superannuation into an account-based pension, which allows you to draw a regular, tax-free income while keeping the rest invested.
This strategy helps:
- Maintain steady monthly income
- Keep your money working through investment returns
- Offer flexibility you can adjust payment amounts when needed
For example, if you have $600,000 in super, drawing 4–5% annually gives you about $24,000–$30,000 per year in income without depleting your savings too quickly.
Tip: Pair your account-based pension with low-risk investments to manage volatility in your 60s.
Boost Super Contributions Now
If you’re still working, now’s the time to maximise your contributions while benefiting from super’s low tax rate of just 15%.
You can grow your balance by:
- Salary sacrificing extra pre-tax income
- Making after-tax (non-concessional) contributions
- Using spouse contributions if your partner earns less
Even small increases say, contributing an extra $200 per week can add tens of thousands of dollars to your retirement fund over the next few years.
Tip: The super guarantee (SG) rate will increase to 12% in July 2026, meaning more employer contributions so ensure your fund is performing well to maximise growth.
Consider Flexible or Part-Time Work
Retirement doesn’t have to mean stopping completely. Many Australians now phase into retirement working part-time or taking up flexible roles that provide both income and purpose.
This approach:
- Reduces financial pressure on your savings
- Keeps you socially and mentally active
- Extends your super’s longevity
Even earning $20,000–$30,000 per year from part-time work can make a major difference helping you preserve your super while enjoying more free time.
Tip: If you receive the Age Pension later, part-time income may affect your payments so get professional advice to structure your earnings efficiently.
Review Your Financial Plan Annually
Government policies, market performance, and personal circumstances change your retirement plan should too.
Make it a habit to review your financial plan every 12 months to ensure it’s still aligned with your goals and the latest rules.
During each review, check:
- Your super fund’s performance and fees
- Investment allocation (growth vs defensive)
- Pension drawdowns or income streams
- Updates to tax rules or contribution limits
Tip: A yearly review with a financial adviser can help you adjust proactively avoiding surprises and keeping your retirement income stable.
FAQs: Will Retirement Age Change in 2026?
1️⃣ Will the Age Pension age change in 2026?
No. The Age Pension age will remain at 67, with no plans for an increase or reduction. The last phase of the age increase finished in 2023, and the government has not announced any new changes for 2026.
That means if you were born after 1 January 1957, you’ll still be eligible for the Age Pension at age 67.
Insight: Government focus is currently on improving retirement income sustainability not changing eligibility ages.
2️⃣ Will I be able to access my super earlier than 60 in 2026?
No there are no changes expected to the preservation age, which is 60 for anyone born after July 1964.You can still access your super at 60 if you’ve retired or started an account-based pension, but there’s no indication of earlier access being allowed.
Example: If you’re turning 60 in 2026 and decide to retire, you can legally start using your super that year even though you won’t receive the Age Pension until 67.
3️⃣ Could the retirement age go up again in the future?
Possibly but not before 2030.
Long-term reviews could revisit this as life expectancy and population demographics evolve Some economists predict the Age Pension age may eventually rise to 68–70 years over the next 10–15 years to ensure system sustainability.
However, these are projections not current government policy.
Tip: Plan for flexibility. It’s smarter to assume you may need to self-fund for a bit longer rather than counting on earlier access.
4️⃣ Is there any positive change for retirees in 2026?
Yes the super guarantee (SG) rate will rise from 11.5% to 12% in July 2026.This means your employer’s mandatory contributions will increase, helping you grow your retirement savings faster.
Over time, that small percentage adds up especially for those still a few years away from retirement.
Tip: Make sure your employer is paying the correct SG rate and your fund is performing efficiently to take full advantage of this increase.
5️⃣ What should I do if I want to retire before 67?
If you plan to retire early, you’ll need a self-funded strategy to cover living costs until the Age Pension kicks in.
That could include:
- Drawing from your super via an account-based pension
- Using savings, term deposits, or investment income
- Downsizing your home or unlocking equity for extra funds
Example: If you retire at 60 and expect to spend $5,000 a month, you’ll need at least $420,000 to bridge those seven years or more if you want flexibility for travel or emergencies.
No Major Age Change, but Big Planning Opportunities
So, will retirement age change in 2026?
No the Age Pension age will stay at 67, and super access at 60.
But that doesn’t mean you should stand still.
The key to successful retirement isn’t waiting for policy shifts it’s planning ahead, boosting your super, and creating income streams that work for you.
At Wealthlab, we help Australians make confident retirement decisions, no matter what policy changes come next.
👉 Book a consultation today to review your retirement plan and make sure you’re ready for 2026 and beyond.
Learn More About Retirement & Superannuation
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/who-can-get-age-pension?