The increase in the Age Pension to $1,178.70 for singles and $888.50 for each member of a couple reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to support pensioners amidst rising living costs. By understanding the eligibility criteria and ensuring their information is up to date, pensioners can benefit from this adjustment, providing some relief as they navigate financial challenges.
Starting from September 2025, Australia’s Age Pension will increase by $1,178.70 per fortnight for single recipients and $888.50 for each member of a couple. This increase is part of the government’s ongoing adjustments to ensure that pension payments keep up with the cost of living. Below, we outline the eligibility criteria and how the changes may affect you.
Australia Pensioners to Get $1,178 More
| Key Fact | Detail/Statistic |
|---|---|
| Increased Payment for Singles | $1,178.70 per fortnight |
| Increased Payment for Couples | $888.50 per fortnight per member of the couple |
| Eligibility Age | Must be at least 67 years old |
| Income Test for Single | Full pension up to $218 income, part pension up to $2,575.40 |
Eligibility for the Age Pension Increase
Australia’s Age Pension is available to eligible individuals who meet age, residency, income, and assets criteria. From September 2025, the pension payments are adjusted to reflect the rising cost of living. Below are the main criteria for eligibility:
Age Requirement
To qualify for the Age Pension, individuals must be at least 67 years of age as of July 1, 2023. This is the current eligibility age and will apply to new applicants from this date forward. For those already receiving the pension, the increase will be automatically applied.
Residency Requirement
To qualify, applicants must have been Australian residents for at least 10 years continuously. There are some exemptions for this rule, particularly for people with humanitarian status or those who were living in countries with which Australia has a social security agreement.
Income and Assets Test
To receive the full pension, applicants must pass both the income and assets tests. The thresholds for these tests are adjusted periodically to account for inflation.
- Income Test (for Singles):
- Full pension: Income up to $218 per fortnight
- Part pension: Income up to $2,575.40 per fortnight
- Income Test (for Couples, combined):
- Full pension: Income up to $380 per fortnight
- Part pension: Income up to $3,934 per fortnight
- Assets Test (for Singles):
- Full pension: Up to $321,500 for homeowners, $579,500 for non-homeowners
- Part pension: Up to $714,500 for homeowners, $972,500 for non-homeowners
- Assets Test (for Couples, combined):
- Full pension: Up to $481,500 for homeowners, $739,500 for non-homeowners
- Part pension: Up to $1,074,000 for homeowners, $1,332,000 for non-homeowners
How the Age Pension Increase Will Be Applied
The Age Pension is reviewed and adjusted biannually, typically in March and September. The September 2025 increase will automatically apply to those already receiving the pension. New applicants must meet all eligibility criteria outlined above to qualify for the increased payment.
- Single recipients will receive $1,178.70 per fortnight, an increase of approximately $60 per fortnight from the previous rate.
- Couples will receive $888.50 per fortnight per person, depending on their combined income and assets.
This increase is designed to help pensioners better manage the rising costs of living, especially in light of ongoing inflation and economic challenges.
Related Links
New Australia Driving Laws: $561 Fine for Coffee, Tea, or Drinks While Driving – What You Must Know
Centrelink Payments Between $390–$1,561 Deposited from 1st October – Check If You Qualify
Apply for the Age Pension
If you have not yet applied for the Age Pension and are nearing eligibility, here’s how to start the process:
- Create or Log in to a myGov Account: Access the online services portal via myGov.
- Link your Account to Centrelink: Once logged in, link your myGov account to Centrelink.
- Submit the Application: Complete the Age Pension application form online, providing personal details, income, and asset information.
- Provide Supporting Documents: Upload required documents such as proof of age and residency.
- Monitor Application Status: Track your application’s progress via your myGov account.
Additional Financial Support for Pensioners
In addition to the Age Pension, pensioners may be eligible for other government assistance:
- Pensioner Supplement: A regular additional payment to assist with basic costs of living.
- Energy Supplement: Helps pensioners cover rising energy bills.
- Rent Assistance: Available to those who meet specific criteria and pay rent.
These supplements are automatically included in Age Pension payments for eligible individuals, offering further support.
What You Need to Do Next
If you are already receiving the Age Pension, you do not need to take any action to receive the increased rate starting in September 2025. The increase will be automatically applied to your payments.
However, if you believe your income, assets, or circumstances have changed, it’s a good idea to review your eligibility and update your details with Services Australia. This ensures you receive the correct payment based on your situation.
