Age Pension age is 67 years or older.
Income support
Age Pension explained in plain English
Age Pension is the Australian Government’s main income-support payment for older Australians. Reaching the qualifying age is only one part of eligibility.
Practical guidanceUnderstand the options before making the decision.
At a glance
What to know first
Residence, income and assets rules apply.
You can still work while receiving Age Pension, although income can affect the payment.
The practical detail
Work through the part that matters to you.
Age is only the first test
Services Australia says Age Pension age is 67 years or older. You must also meet residence rules and the income and assets tests.
Residence rules matter
A person generally needs to be an Australian resident and meet qualifying residence requirements. There are exceptions and international social-security agreements, so people with time living overseas should check the detailed rules rather than assume they are excluded.
Income and assets affect the rate
The amount of Age Pension can depend on income, assets, relationship status and home-ownership circumstances. Thresholds are indexed and can change, so current figures should always be checked with Services Australia.
Working does not automatically stop Age Pension
People can work while receiving Age Pension. Employment income must be reported, and the Work Bonus may reduce the amount of eligible work income counted under the pension income test.
Check the current rules
Official sources used for this guide.
Government rules and thresholds can change. These links take you to the source material used to prepare this page.
Services Australia
Age Pension
Check the current government information before relying on eligibility, rates or rules.
Open official source →Services AustraliaWho can get Age Pension
Check the current government information before relying on eligibility, rates or rules.
Open official source →Services AustraliaWorking while getting Age Pension
Check the current government information before relying on eligibility, rates or rules.
Open official source →Related Later Life guides
Keep going only where it is useful.
Money & entitlements
Can I keep working after 65?
Yes. Turning 65 does not require you to retire. If you receive Age Pension, the important issue is how employment income is treated under the pension rules.
Read guide →Money & entitlementsCommonwealth Seniors Health Card explained
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card can help with cheaper health care and some discounts for people who have reached Age Pension age but are not receiving an income-support payment.
Read guide →Money & entitlementsPensioner Concession Card explained
The Pensioner Concession Card can provide cheaper health care, medicines and access to some concessions for people receiving qualifying Centrelink payments.
Read guide →When general information is not enough
Talk it through with Liz.
Liz can help connect the general rules to the care and support questions in your own situation. For legal, tax or financial decisions, she will point you back to the appropriate professional or government source.