Most Australians are eligible for the Government Age Pension. If you’re among them, you can use it to top up your super.
What is the Age Pension?
The Government Age Pension is a regular fortnightly income from the Australian Government that helps eligible older Australians pay for basic living expenses.
It’s called the “retirement safety net” for a reason. Around 62%* of Australians over the age of 65 receive either a part or full Government Age Pension.
*Based on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Department of Social Services.
READ MORE: HOW SUPER WORKS WITH THE AGE PENSION
Am I eligible to receive it?
Reaching preservation age and finishing up at work don’t mean you automatically get the Age Pension.
You’ll need to meet eligibility requirements set out by the Australian Government before you can receive your first pension payment. These include:
- your qualifying or eligibility age for the Age Pension (also known as the ‘pension age’)
- your residential status
- your assets and/or income.
For eligibility details download the fact sheet ‘Are you eligible for the Government Age Pension?'
Are you eligible for the Government Age Pension - pdf, 119KB
Eligible to get the Age Pension?
Try our online guide to find out
Your age and residential status
Have you reached the qualifying age? Are you an Australian Resident?
COVID-19 Deeming rate changes
As of 1 May 2020, the Government has reduced the upper social security deeming rate to 2.25 per cent and the lower deeming rate to 0.25 per cent.
The reductions are part of the Government response to COVID-19, and reflect the low interest rate environment and its impact on the income from savings. This may benefit members who receive the Government Age Pension.
Visit the Treasury website for details.
