Welcome to the About Seniors Centrelink & Pension Page. With so much information out there, we know you want a simple and easy way to find everything easily, and we have provided that!
Our Age Pension page has a vast range of information covering eligibility ages to Bonus Payments.
We have not forgotten those on the Widow Allowance, Disability Support Pension (DSP) and those receiving Carer Payments, with information updated weekly.
Pension payment complaints
About Seniors website is happy to ask questions on your behalf about entitlements and benefits. Read some recent Q&A on pensions here. But if you have a specific complaint it is probably best to approach Centrelink directly yourself.
Pensions, Payments, Allowances and Tests
Age Pension age for social security purposes is 65 years for men. Women qualify at different ages depending on their date of birth in accordance with the table below so by 2014 the minimum qualifying age for women will also be 65 years.
Age Pension Age for Women
| Date of Birth | Qualification Age |
| 1 July 1938 to 31 December 1939 | 61.5 |
| 1 Jan 1940 to 30 June 1941 | 62 |
| 1 July 1941 to 31 December 1942 | 62.5 |
| 1 January 1943 to 30 June 1944 | 63 |
| 1 July 1944 to 31 December 1945 | 63.5 |
| 1 January 1946 to 30 June 1947 | 64 |
| 1 July 1947 to 31 December 1948 | 64.5 |
| 1 January 1949 and later | 65 |
Beginning in 2017, the Age Pension age will be increased to 67 years at a rate of six months every two years as indicated in the following table.
The qualifing age for male veterans with qualifying service and a service pension is 60. For female veterans the pension age is being raised by six months every two years so that by 1 July 2013, female and male pension ages will be the same; see the table on our Veterans’ Affairs page.
Visit this Centrelink page for information on the Age Pensions and other pensions, Income and Assets tests, Carer Payment, Rent Assistance, other allowances and benefits, age pension eligibility and other qualification information.
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The Disability Support Pension is a payment for people whose physical, intellectual or psychiatric impairment prevents them from working, or for people who are permanently blind. For eligibility conditions, amount of pension, claiming and other information go to this Centrelink page:
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Check this Centrelink page for a guide as to what are considered assessable assets under the asset test:
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You can also check what assets are exempt. Note this includes "your principal home and curtilage (the land around your house you use for private purposes) of no more than two hectares". If the area is more than two hectares the excess is included as an asset.
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If you are receiving a payment through Centrelink and you are planning to go overseas, including Norfolk Island, call Centrelink because while away you could be overpaid or your payment could be stopped. If you are receiving a pension, phone Centrelink on 13 23 00. Veterans’ Affairs pensioners should contact their DVA office (click here). Note that from 1 July 2004 there is provision that payment to any Centrelink customer can be suspended or cancelled while overseas if Centrelink is not notified. Also, from 1 July 2004, you cannot receive a Centrelink payment for more than 13 weeks overseas (this excludes Age Pensioners and entitled wife and Widow B Centrelink customers).
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Guide To Australian Government Payments Booklet The Guide To Australian Government Payments gives details of the payment rates and eligibility criteria for all payments made by Centrelink and the Family Assistance Office. It is updated quarterly to reflect any changes in payment rates during this time.
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Compensation If you can claim compensation for an injury or illness, you should be aware that Centrelink will take it into account when determining eligibility for most payments. The booklet Compensation Kit 2001-2002 Bookletcontains essential information on how compensation affects social security entitlements; choices for rehabilitation; review and appeal rights; and specialist services for a person claiming compensation. You can get from Centrelink or download it from this site:
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Data matching is a program used by Centrelink and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to compare information with each other and with the Australian Taxation Office. Its purpose is to ensure that pensioner payments are correct. If you fail to tell Centrelink or DVA about changes to your financial situation you could be missing out on a higher rate of pension or you could be receiving too much and it will have to be repaid. For more information see What should I do if my circumstances change?
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Gifting. Before 1 July 2002 your payment was not affected if you dispose of assets or make gifts up to $10,000 in one year. From 1 July 2002, the $10,000 annual limit still applies but there is also $30,000 limit over rolling five year periods. If you exceed either limit the excess amount will remain considered as a financial asset for a five year period and deemed income rules will apply. Find out more:
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Income support payments. You may have been eligible for payments such as Mature Age Allowance or are eligible for Newstart. In return, you may have to meet obligations such as training or community work. Mature Age Allowance cannot be claimed from 20 September 2003 but if you were receiving it before then the payment may continue. For information on the Mature Age Allowance:
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For information on the Newstart Allowance:
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Investments such as managed funds and shares are reviewed every six months and the updated values may affect payment to pensioners.
The Pension Bonus Scheme provides a tax-free lump sum for people who voluntarily defer claiming Age or Service Pension. To get the benefit you have to register and continue to work for at least 12 months. The bonus is paid when you finally retire and receive a pension. You should register within 13 weeks of meeting the requirements. For details of registration, eligibility, payment and other matters check this Centerlink site.
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Communication allowance
As part of the Government’s Making Ends Meet package, the telephone allowance issued by Centrelink has been extended to include internet access. Those who qualify can now receive $33 per quarter, per household, to assist with the costs of maintaining a telephone and internet connection to their home.
For more information, view the
Telephone Allowance fact sheet.
