10 Legal Ways to Boost Your Age Pension Payments (2025 Guide)

Smart strategies using Age Pension services & application tips for Australian retirees

Are you close to retirement or already receiving the Age Pension and wondering how to maximise your entitlements legally? You’re not alone. Thousands of Australians miss out on Age Pension entitlements simply because they aren’t aware of available strategies and Age Pension Services that can help.

Whether you're planning ahead or need help with your Age Pension application today, this guide outlines 10 legal ways to boost your Centrelink Age Pension payments—no shady tactics, just smart, ethical planning.

1. ✅ Understand the Income and Assets Tests

Centrelink uses income and assets tests to determine how much Age Pension you’re eligible for. But here’s the good news: not all assets are treated the same. For example, your primary residence is exempt, but money in the bank is not.

💡 Tip: Familiarise yourself with deeming rates and thresholds or get help with your Age Pension application from your friendly team at AgePensionServices.

2. ✅ Choose Income Streams That Are Centrelink-Friendly

Some account-based income streams may be more pension-friendly than others, especially if you started them before 1 January 2015. These may benefit from grandfathering provisions under Centrelink rules.

📊 Professional advice is often key here—ask how your superannuation affects your pension eligibility.

3. ✅ Gifting Within Centrelink Limits

You’re allowed to gift up to $10,000 per financial year, or $30,000 over five years, without it impacting your pension. Anything above that may still be counted as an asset for five years.

🎁 Use gifting strategically to reduce assessable assets—but track the dates and amounts carefully.

4. ✅ Spend on Non-Assessable Items

Consider spending on funeral bonds, home renovations, or mortgage repayments. These uses of funds don’t count toward the assets test, and can help increase your pension payment if you reduce assessable savings.

📌 You can also pre-pay funeral expenses or medical aids which are excluded.

5. ✅ Downsize and Contribute to Super

Selling your home and moving into something smaller? You may be eligible for a downsizer contribution—up to $300,000 per person into your superannuation (if you’re over 55). This could help reduce your assessable assets and support your retirement income.

🏠 Be mindful that any sale proceeds you don’t contribute will count toward the means test.

6. ✅ Restructure High-Yield Investments

Centrelink applies deeming rates to your investments, even if they’re not earning much. By adjusting your portfolio to include more Age Pension-friendly investments—such as certain annuities—you could reduce the impact of the asset and income test.

💼 This is a popular reason people seek help with Age Pension applications—to review their investment structure.

7. ✅ Use the Work Bonus

The Work Bonus allows pensioners to earn up to $300 per fortnight from employment without it affecting their Age Pension payment. Plus, unused bonuses accumulate (up to $7,800), giving flexibility for occasional work.

🧰 A great way to stay active and supplement income legally.

8. ✅ Claim All Eligible Supplements

Don't miss out on additional Age Pension payments, such as:

• Energy Supplement

• Pension Supplement

• Rent Assistance

💡 These are often overlooked when applying for Age Pension, so check your eligibility through myGov or speak to a Centrelink officer.

9. ✅ Delay Super Access (If Under Pension Age)

If you’ve reached superannuation preservation age but not Age Pension age, keeping your super in accumulation phase may temporarily exempt it from means testing.

🕒 Timing your super drawdown can be a smart short-term Age Pension strategy.

10. ✅ Get Help with Your Age Pension Application

Applying for the pension can be confusing. That’s why it’s wise to get help from:

• A qualified financial planner

• Specialist Age Pension services

👩‍💼 These professionals can help you prepare your application, avoid common errors, and find ways to maximise your payment.

📞 Need help with your Age Pension application? Contact us today and speak to one of our friendly and helpful staff.