When does the Age Pension increase?
Updated on 7 March 2025 |2 minute read
Keep an eye on Age Pension changes – they could affect your current payments or even make you eligible if you weren't before.
Older eligible Australians get the Age Pension every fortnight. It helps provide a basic standard of living.
The Age Pension changes regularly
Throughout the year, the age pension can increase and eligibility requirements can change.
You might be wondering, 'When will the old age pension stop in Australia?' The good news is that there are no plans to stop the Age Pension. Instead, it usually increases.
Age Pension increase
The amount you get as part of the age pension usually increases every March and September.
Eligibility thresholds
The thresholds for the Age Pension income and assets test are indexed in March, July and September of each year.
Indexing means the amount is compared against economic data like inflation and market returns.
When the threshold increases, it means you can have more income and assets to your name before it starts impacting your Age Pension amount.
Deeming rates
The government reviews deeming rates and thresholds every year, which could affect your Age Pension.
Change of pension age
It's worth noting that the qualifying age for the Age Pension has changed over the years.
At the moment, it's 67 years of age or older.
Can I still work if the Age Pension increases?
Age pensioners can earn up to $300 extra per fortnight without losing any of their pension – it's called the Work Bonus.
Don't use it all? No worries. It builds up in your 'Work Bank' up to $11,800. New pensioners start with $4,000 in their Work Bank, thanks to a recent government boost to help older Aussies work a bit more if they want to.
How much is the Age Pension?
It depends on your relationship status (single or couple), whether you own your home, and Centrelink's assets test and income test.
Age Pension rates (as at 20 September 2024)
| Relationship status | Max Age Pension/fortnight |
|---|---|
| Single | $1,144.40 |
| Couple (each) | $862.60 each |
| Couple (combined total) | $1,725.20 |
| Couple (each) living apart because of ill health | $1,144.40 each |
The figures above include the pension and energy supplement payments. Learn more and check the current rates on the Services Australia website.
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