Super and the Age Pension
Your super and the Age Pension can work together in your retirement
If you're one of the many Australians who qualify for the Age Pension, you can use it to top-up your super to help meet your expenses in your post work life.
Check your eligibility for the Age Pension
To qualify for the Age Pension, you must satisfy a few key requirements.
Your eligibility can change over time depending on your financial circumstances, so it could be worth checking in with Centrelink regularly. For more detailed information on eligibility requirements go to Services Australia.
Age Pension rates
There are different Age Pension rates depending on your circumstances. The table below shows the basic Age Pension rates for singles and couples each fortnight, as at March 2024*
Relationship status | Maximum basic Age Pension payment |
Single | $1,116.30 |
Couple each | $841.40 |
Couple combined | $1,682.80 |
Couple apart due to ill health | $1,116.30 |
*These rates are usually updated every March and September. For more information on how these rates can vary depending on your circumstances, and to see Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement amounts, visit Services Australia.
Other government entitlements
You may be eligible to receive other benefits which can help support your income in retirement.
Pensioner Concession Card
Given to everyone who receives the Age Pension to access cheaper health care, medicines, and discounts on certain government payments.
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Available if you’ve reached Age Pension age and if you meet other requirements, including (but not limited to) residency rules and the income test, and gives you access to cheaper health care.
How to apply for the Age Pension
- Apply for the Age Pension directly through Centrelink.
- You can also take a stress free approach to applying for the Age Pension through Retirement Essentials.^ They’re an Australian owned, independent organisation who’ve helped many Australians understand, apply for, and receive all their Age Pension entitlements from the comfort of their own home. Fees apply for this service paid directly to Retirement Essentials and vary depending on your circumstances. Once your application has been reviewed, you’ll receive a quote and can decide whether or not to proceed.