In most cases, you need to have been an Australian resident for at least 10 years, with at least 5 of those years continuously.

The amount of assets you can own depends on:

• Whether you are single or partnered

• Whether you own your home

• The value of your investments and assets

Assets may include:

• Savings

• Shares

• Investment properties

• Superannuation (in some cases)

• Vehicles and caravans

Your principal home is usually exempt from the assets test.

Yes. Many Australians continue working while receiving a partial Age Pension. Your employment income may reduce your payment depending on how much you earn.

Yes, superannuation can affect the Age Pension depending on:

• Your age

• Whether you are receiving a super income stream

• Whether your partner has reached pension age

The Age Pension may be taxable depending on your total income and circumstances. Many pensioners pay little or no tax.

Processing times vary depending on your circumstances and whether all documents are provided. Delays can occur if information is missing.

Recently as at 16 May 2026, we have found that it’s taking on average approximately 5 weeks to get approved.

Yes, you can reapply for the Age Pension if your circumstances have changed since your previous application.

Age Pension income and assets test thresholds are generally reviewed and adjusted twice each year. This means you may now qualify for a full or part pension even if you were previously assessed as ineligible.

Many retirees also draw on their savings and investments over time to help cover everyday living expenses. As assets reduce, your financial position may fall within the eligibility thresholds for the Age Pension.

Changes that may improve your eligibility include:

• A reduction in your savings or investments

• Changes to property ownership or asset values

• Reduced income from investments or employment

• Changes to relationship status or living arrangements

• Updated government income and asset test limits

Even if you were declined in the past, it can still be worthwhile to reassess your eligibility regularly, particularly as government thresholds and personal financial circumstances change over time.

We strongly recommend updating Services Australia if your circumstances change, if your asset values change by $5,000 or more, and at least once each year to ensure your Age Pension assessment remains accurate.

Changes in circumstances that should be reported may include:

• Selling your home and downsizing

• Purchasing or selling an investment property

• Gifting money or assets to family members

• Changes to your superannuation or investments

• Receiving an inheritance

• Changes to your employment or income

• Changes to your relationship status or living arrangements

• Significant changes in bank account balances or share portfolios

Keeping your information up to date can help ensure you receive the correct entitlement and may prevent overpayments, underpayments, or delays in future assessments.

You can update your details online through myGov linked to Centrelink, by phone, or directly with Services Australia.

Possibly. Your eligibility for the Australian Age Pension may depend on your country of citizenship and whether Australia has an international social security agreement with your home country.

In most cases, people must meet the 10-year Australian residency requirement to qualify for the Age Pension. However, Australia has international agreements with certain countries that may allow you to qualify without meeting the full 10-year residency rule.

Under these agreements, your periods of residence, employment, or contributions to a retirement or social security system in your home country may be taken into account when assessing your eligibility.

Additional requirements usually apply, including:

• Meeting Age Pension age requirements

• Holding permanent residency or an eligible visa

• Providing evidence of overseas employment or social security contributions

• Satisfying income and assets tests

• Meeting any specific requirements under the agreement with your home country

We help clients confirm whether an international agreement may apply to their circumstances and assist with the Age Pension application process.

Applications involving international agreements are generally more complex and often require assessment by a specialist or complex case officer within Services Australia. Your overseas pension, employment history, or retirement scheme contributions may also need to be verified directly with authorities in your home country.

As a result, applications of this nature commonly take between 6 and 12 months to process, depending on the country involved and how quickly supporting information can be confirmed.

In many cases, you can continue receiving your Age Pension while travelling overseas for a holiday, however your payment entitlements may change depending on:

• How long you are overseas

• Whether you are travelling permanently or temporarily

• Your residency history in Australia

• Any supplements or concession cards you receive

For short overseas holidays, most people continue receiving their Age Pension payments as normal for a period of time. However, some supplements may stop after several weeks outside Australia.

If you remain overseas for an extended period, your Age Pension rate may be reviewed and could be reduced depending on:

• The length of your Australian working life residence

• International social security agreements

• Your personal circumstances

It’s also important to note that:

• Your Pensioner Concession Card may not be valid overseas

• Some state-based concessions may stop while you are away

• You must notify Services Australia before leaving Australia

We strongly recommend informing Centrelink of your travel plans before departure to avoid payment interruptions or compliance issues.

If you are planning extended travel or spending significant time overseas each year, it may be worthwhile reviewing how your Age Pension could be affected before you leave.