The Centrelink Age Pension eligibility age in Australia is constant and at 67 years old by 2025. This was introduced gradually to individuals born on or after 1 January 1957, and is not planned to rise any further by the current law. The Age Pension age will not be raised above 67 in 2025, though there are no government proposals on this issue, and debate on the retirement age keeps reappearing in the public.
Age Pension (2025) Eligibility Criteria
In order to be eligible to receive the Age Pension in 2025 you must:
– Age 67 or above. (67 is the usual age of birth) 67 is the usual age of birth in the case of persons born on or after 1 January 1957.
– Pass the residency test: 10 years of Australian residency, with 5 years of continuous Australian residency.
– Meet tests: To qualify fully or partially for a pension your income and assets should be below those required by the government. Both tests are applicable and the one that leads to lesser payment is applied.
– **Be a resident of Australia at the time of applying with some exceptions on people outside or international agreements.
Payment Rates from October 2025
The rates of the Centrelink Age Pension are changed in March and September. The highest possible rates (including supplements) are:
| Status | Fortnightly Payment | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,178.70 | $30,646 |
| Couple (each) | $888.50 | $23,101 |
| Couple (combined) | $1,777.00 | $46,202 |
The couples who are separated due to illness also enjoy the single rate.
Important Regulations and Other Data
– Indexation: The rates of payment and the value of asset thresholds are normally based on inflation.
– Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement are to be added to the above rates.
– Means testing: This consists of income (work, super, investments) as well as asset testing (home, cars, savings). The amounts of assets and income, where they are considered substantial, vary over time; consult most recent information annually to stay up-to-date.
FAQs
Q1: Is Age Pension age increasing beyond 67?
No. No additional increases are legislated by the time 2025. The age before 67 is maintained as the minimum age to receive the Age Pension aged 67 years and above.
Q2: What may influence the eligibility or the payment rates?
Residency, income, and assets – payments to be reduced or discontinued in case of income/asset decrease beyond the limits.[2][5].
Q3: Is it possible to live as a pensioner abroad?
There are special provisions; there may be effects on continuity of payments; refer to Services Australia.
