Age Pension age is currently 67, not 65.
A useful place to start
What am I eligible for as I get older?
There is no single “over 65” benefit in Australia. Different programs use different ages, income tests, residency rules and care needs. The useful first step is to work out which system matches the kind of help you need.
Practical guidanceUnderstand the options before making the decision.
At a glance
What to know first
Concession cards and state Seniors Cards have separate eligibility rules.
Help at home is based on assessed care needs, not simply reaching a birthday.
The practical detail
Work through the part that matters to you.
If you need help with income
Age Pension is the main income-support payment for people who have reached Age Pension age and meet residence, income and assets rules. If you are not eligible for Age Pension, that does not automatically mean there is no other support available.
If you need help with health and everyday costs
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and Pensioner Concession Card can reduce some health and medicine costs, but they are different cards with different eligibility rules. State and territory Seniors Cards are separate again and can offer local concessions and discounts.
If you need help to stay at home
Government-funded aged care support starts with an aged care assessment. For most people, My Aged Care is available from age 65; lower age thresholds apply for some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
If you care for someone else
Carer Payment and Carer Allowance are Centrelink payments with different care, income and assets rules. Carer Gateway also provides free support services to unpaid carers, including counselling, coaching, peer support and respite options.
If you are still working or have super
You can keep working after 65. If you receive Age Pension, employment income can affect the payment and the Work Bonus may reduce how much eligible work income is counted. Superannuation has its own access, tax and contribution rules.
Before you act
Eligibility can change with income, assets, residency, relationship status, care needs and government rules. Use this page as a starting point, then check the relevant government service for your circumstances.
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 AustraliaLoans and concession cards when you retire
Check the current government information before relying on eligibility, rates or rules.
Open official source →My Aged CareMy Aged Care
Check the current government information before relying on eligibility, rates or rules.
Open official source →Carer GatewayCarer Gateway
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
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.
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 & entitlementsSeniors Cards and concessions: what to check
Australia does not have one national Seniors Card. States and territories run their own programs, with their own eligibility rules and discounts.
Read guide →Care & supportWhat help can I get to stay living at home?
Government-funded support can help with personal care, cleaning, nursing, allied health, transport, equipment, home modifications and other assessed needs.
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.