2. Aged Pension

Age Pension is an income support payment designed to ensure seniors have an adequate standard of living in retirement.

2.1 Criteria

Age requirement

Applicants not yet eligible must be 64 for women and 65 for men. In 2014 the age will be equalised at 65 and increase half a year every 2 years.

Residence requirements

Applicant must have 10 years qualifying Australian residence. Unless eligible under the other provisions of the Act which includes;

1. claiming under an international social security agreement, or
2. a refugee or former refugee, or
3. receiver of  Partner Allowance, Widow Allowance or Widow B Pension immediately before turning Age Pension age, or
4. a woman whose partner died while both were Australian residents and had 2 years residency immediately before claiming Age Pension.

2.2 Payment

The maximum rate of payment for single person is $670.90 and for a couple it is $505.70, and ultimately Centrelink officials will determine if a relationship exists. 

2.3 Going Overseas 

Generally Age Pension is paid for the total period of absence however, after 13 weeks the rate may change.

2.4 Foreign pensions

If receiving a foreign pension it will be included in the income test and a person may be asked to apply for a foreign pension if eligible.

---