If you’re approaching retirement, one of the first questions you’ll ask is:“What age can I get the Age Pension in Australia?” It’s a smart question because knowing when you can access the Age Pension helps you plan your super withdrawals, investments, and overall income strategy.
Let’s break down the current rules, eligibility criteria, and how to plan around them so you can retire with confidence.
What Is the Age Pension?
The Age Pension is a government payment that provides income support to older Australians who meet age and residency requirements.
It’s designed to help retirees cover everyday living costs once they’ve finished working.
In 2025, the Age Pension remains one of the most important parts of Australia’s retirement income system often working alongside your superannuation or account-based pension.
What Age Can I Get the Age Pension in Australia?
As of 1 July 2023, the Age Pension age is 67 for both men and women.That means you can apply for the Age Pension once you turn 67 years old and meet other eligibility rules.
This applies to anyone born on or after 1 January 1957.
| Date of Birth | Qualifying Age for Age Pension |
|---|---|
| Before 1 July 1952 | 65 years |
| 1 July 1952 – 31 Dec 1953 | 65 years and 6 months |
| 1 Jan 1954 – 30 June 1955 | 66 years |
| 1 July 1955 – 31 Dec 1956 | 66 years and 6 months |
| 1 Jan 1957 or later | 67 years |
If you were born after this date, the pension age stays at 67 and there are currently no plans from the government to increase it further.
Other Age Pension Eligibility Rules
Knowing the right age is only one part of qualifying. You must also meet residency and income/asset test conditions.
1. Residency Requirements
You must:
- Be an Australian resident and living in Australia when you apply, and
- Have lived in Australia for at least 10 years, including a continuous 5-year period.
Some exceptions apply if you’ve worked overseas or have social-security agreements with another country.
2. Income and Assets Tests
The Age Pension isn’t automatically paid to everyone at 67 it’s means-tested.
Services Australia assesses your:
- Income (from work, investments, and super), and
- Assets (such as property, vehicles, and savings).
You’ll receive a full or part pension depending on where you sit within those thresholds.
How Much Is the Age Pension in 2025?
As of 2025, the maximum Age Pension rates are:
| Recipient Type | Fortnightly Payment | Annual Equivalent (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,097 | ~$28,500 |
| Couple (combined) | $1,675 | ~$43,700 |
These rates include the Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement, and they’re adjusted twice a year (March and September).
Can I Get the Age Pension If I’m Still Working?
Yes, you can but your income may affect how much you receive.Through the Work Bonus scheme, the government encourages older Australians to keep working.It allows you to earn up to $11,800 per year (as of 2025) without reducing your pension payments.
Any income above that threshold will gradually reduce your Age Pension under the income test.This means you can still work part-time or casually while receiving the pension, as long as you stay under the limit.
How Does Super Affect the Age Pension?
Before you reach 67, your super balance (if not yet accessed) is not counted in the pension assets test.Once you hit 67 or start drawing an income stream, your super becomes assessable.
This is why many retirees plan their super withdrawals carefully before applying for the Age Pension to maximise eligibility and income.
How to Apply for the Age Pension
You can apply for the Age Pension 13 weeks before you reach the eligible age.
To apply, you’ll need:
- A myGov account linked to Centrelink,
- Proof of identity (passport, driver’s licence, etc.), and
- Details of your income, super, and assets.
Processing usually takes a few weeks, so applying early helps avoid gaps in payments.
FAQs:
1. What is the current Age Pension age in Australia?
As of 2025, it’s 67 years old for anyone born on or after 1 January 1957.
2. Is the government planning to raise the pension age?
No, the federal government has confirmed the Age Pension age will stay at 67.
3. Can I access my super before 67?
Yes. You can usually access your super from age 60 if you retire or meet a release condition.
4. Can I get both super and the Age Pension?
Yes. Many retirees use a mix of super income and Age Pension to support their lifestyle.
5. What if my super is too high for the Age Pension?
You may not qualify immediately, but as your balance reduces over time, you could become eligible for a part or full pension later.
How Superannuation Works When You Retire
Can I Live Off Super Alone After Retirement?
So, what age can I get the Age Pension in Australia?The answer is 67 but your eligibility depends on income, assets, and residency rules too.Understanding these rules early gives you the freedom to plan your super withdrawals, retirement income, and work options more strategically.
At Wealthlab, we help Australians map out their retirement timeline from when to access super to when to apply for the Age Pension so you can retire with confidence and clarity.
Book a free consultation today to get personalised retirement advice that fits your goals.
Learn More About Retirement & Superannuation
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/who-can-get-age-pension?
https://guides.dss.gov.au/social-security-guide/3/4/1/10?
https://moneysmart.gov.au/retirement-income-sources/age-pension-and-government-benefits?