Centrelink and your super

Your eligibility for the Age Pension

You may be pleasantly surprised to find out that you could, in fact, qualify for an Age Pension. Perhaps you won't receive the full amount, but even a part pension can give a regular little boost to your finances.

Currently for males, you may be eligible if you are 65 years or over. The age for women to claim the Age Pension is slowly being increased towards 65 as well.

To qualify, you must satisfy the age and Australian residence requirements. Centrelink then works out how much you are entitled to. This depends on your income, assets and other circumstances. (For example: if you are legally blind, the income and assets tests do not apply).

Assets test

Once you reach pension age, or earlier if you start a superannuation pension, the amount you have in super becomes part of your Centrelink pension assets test. On a brighter note, your principal family home is excluded from the assets test, so even if your home has increased considerably in value over the years, it doesn't count.

Income test

Click here for more information on the income test for pensions.

Financial Information Service

Retirement can be a daunting and confusing time. That’s why Centrelink has a special Financial Information Service (FIS) that can help you understand what to do and how to do it. Being pro-active and getting in control of your money can really ease your peace of mind.

You can find out more about retirement planning in the short, medium and long term and make the right plan for your lifestyle.

FIS is an objective service that offers information, guidance and support.

How can FIS help you?

Increases your confidence dealing with financial issues
Helps you to understand your own financial affairs
Alerts you to the levels of risk for each financial product type
Explains the roles of financial industry professionals
See the advantages of reducing personal debt
Encourages you to increase your savings and plan for the future
Helps you to plan effectively for your retirement
Shows how you can maximise your overall retirement income.

You can talk to a FIS Officer over the phone or in person

You can call 13 2300 and ask to speak to a FIS Officer. If possible, they will answer your questions over the phone. But if you have complex issues, the Officer may make a personal appointment for you. If you prefer to use a language other than English, an interpreter can be organised.