You may qualify for the Australian Age Pension if you meet the age and residence rules and the relevant income and assets tests. This guide helps you organise those four checks; Services Australia assesses claims and makes the final eligibility decision.
Start with the four eligibility checks
- 🎂 Age: you must have reached Age Pension age.
- 🇦🇺 Residence: you generally need to meet Australian residence rules.
- 💼 Income: income from work, investments and some other sources can reduce the payment.
- 🏠 Assets: savings, shares, investment property, vehicles and super can count; your principal home is generally exempt.
How the means tests work
Services Australia works out your rate under both tests. For most people, the lower result applies. Relationship status and homeownership matter, so check the official current thresholds for your situation.
Common situations
I am still working
You can work and receive Age Pension in some circumstances. Employment income can affect the income test, while the Work Bonus may reduce the impact for eligible pensioners.
My partner is younger than Age Pension age
Your partner’s income and assets can still be relevant. This is one reason a household-based estimate is more useful than checking one person in isolation.
I have super
Super can be assessed differently depending on your age, whether it is in accumulation or pension phase, and your partner’s circumstances.
Next step
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Official sources
Last reviewed: 12 September 2026. Rules and rates may change.