When Can I Access the Age Pension?

The Age Pension is a key source of income for many Australians in retirement, but eligibility depends on a range of factors. One of the most common questions asked is: When can I access the Age Pension? Understanding the criteria can help you plan your retirement with clarity and confidence.

Age Requirement

To access the Age Pension, you must first reach the qualifying age, which depends on your date of birth. As of July 1, 2023, the qualifying age is 67 for everyone born on or after 1 January 1957. If you were born before that, the qualifying age may be slightly lower. It’s important to check your birthdate against the official eligibility chart to determine exactly when you qualify.

Residency Requirements

You must also meet certain residency conditions. Generally, you need to:

• Be an Australian resident, and

• Have lived in Australia for at least 10 years, with at least 5 of those years in one continuous period.

Some exceptions apply, such as for refugees or countries with social security agreements with Australia.

Income and Assets Tests

Meeting the age and residency requirements doesn’t guarantee full entitlement. The Age Pension is means-tested, meaning Centrelink assesses your:

• Income (from all sources, including superannuation and investments)

• Assets (such as property, vehicles, and savings)

If your income or assets exceed certain thresholds, your payment may be reduced or you may not be eligible at all. These thresholds are reviewed regularly, so it’s important to stay up to date.

Applying for the Age Pension

You can apply up to 13 weeks before reaching Age Pension age. Applying early ensures you receive your entitlement as soon as you're eligible. Applications can be submitted online via your myGov account or with help from Centrelink. Otherwise please contact us if you would like us to apply on your behalf.

Ready to find out when you qualify and how much you could receive?
Contact Age Pension Services today for a personalised assessment and guidance through the application process. Call [insert phone number], visit [insert website], or speak with our retirement experts to ensure you’re getting the support you deserve.