Age Pension and Divorce: What Happens to Your Entitlements?
Divorce can be emotionally and financially challenging at any stage of life — but for older Australians approaching or already receiving the Age Pension, it also raises important questions about entitlements, assets, and income support from Centrelink.
Here’s what you need to know if you're divorced or separating and want to understand how it affects your Age Pension eligibility and payment rates.
💔 Divorce & the Age Pension: The Basics
The Centrelink Age Pension is a means-tested payment based on your income and assets, as well as your relationship status.
When you divorce or permanently separate from your partner:
You're assessed as a single person for pension purposes
Your asset and income thresholds change
Your payment rate may increase (or decrease), depending on your personal financial circumstances after the split
📊 What Changes When You’re Assessed as “Single”?
✅ Higher Age Pension Rate for Singles
As of 2025, the full Age Pension rates are approximately:
Single: $1,116.30 per fortnight
Couple (each): $841.40 per fortnight
So if you were previously receiving the couple rate and now qualify as single, you may receive a higher payment — provided your income and assets are within the limits.
💼 Assets and the Separation Process
Centrelink looks at your total assets, including:
Real estate (excluding your principal home)
Cash, bank accounts, shares, superannuation (if over Age Pension age)
Vehicles, valuables, and investments
During divorce, how you divide assets with your former partner can impact your entitlements. Even if you don’t yet have a formal property settlement, Centrelink will assess you based on what you currently own or have access to.
⚠️ Important: If you're still legally married but separated, Centrelink will treat you as a single person only if the separation is genuine and you live apart permanently.
💡 Tip: Report the Change Promptly
Centrelink requires you to report your relationship change as soon as possible, either through your myGov account or by calling. If you delay, it could result in:
Overpayment (which must be repaid)
Underpayment (you miss out on extra support)
🔄 What If You’re Still Living Together?
Some couples separate but continue living under the same roof (for financial or health reasons). Centrelink can still assess you as separated, but you’ll need to provide evidence, such as:
Separate finances
No shared social life
Separate sleeping arrangements
This is known as a “separated under one roof” situation, and it usually requires a detailed explanation and supporting documentation.
🧾 Legal Settlement & Superannuation
Divorce may involve splitting superannuation, which can affect Age Pension eligibility.
Once you reach Age Pension age, super is counted as an asset.
If your divorce settlement gives you access to a portion of your ex-partner’s super, that new balance is considered in your asset test.
Always seek professional advice before agreeing to financial terms, as unexpected changes to your super or property could affect your Centrelink entitlements.
✅ Need Help with Your Age Pension After Divorce?
Divorce or separation can make navigating Centrelink even more complicated — but you don’t have to do it alone.
Our expert team offers a trusted Age Pension application service designed to take the stress out of the process. Whether you need:
Help with your Age Pension application
Step-by-step Age Pension form help
Guidance on how to apply for Age Pension assistance after a divorce
Support from a qualified Age Pension consultant
Personalised Centrelink Age Pension help tailored to your situation
We’re here to ensure you get the pension you’re entitled to — faster, and with less hassle.
👉 Book your Age Pension consultation today or contact us to get started.