The first full payment at the new rates of pension will be payday 6 April 2023. The maximum rate of single service pension will rise by $37.50 to $1,064.00 per fortnight and the maximum rate for couples will increase by $28.20 to $802.00 per fortnight (each).
The payment rates for Age Pension, Carer Payment and Disability Support Pension are increasing from 20 March 2023. Age Pension, Carer Payment and Disability Support Pension will increase by $37.50 a fortnight for singles and $56.40 a fortnight for couples combined.
Income Test
20 March 2023 a single pensioner could earn $190 a fortnight and still be eligible for the full single pension of $1064 a fortnight, including all supplements. They can also earn $460 a fortnight from personal exertion – this is not included in the income test.
Can I Get the Pension if I Have Super? Having superannuation savings does not deny you from receiving Age Pension payments. Eligibility for the Age Pension is based on an Assets Test and an Income Test.
The Work Bonus income bank is useful for pensioners who wish to work, particularly those who undertake intermittent or occasional work. Note: from 1 December 2022 to 31 December 2023, a one-off, temporary credit of $4,000 applies to Work Bonus income bank balances.
For example, if you are a single homeowner you can get a full pension with an asset limit of $270,500. As a couple with a home and combined assets your limit is reached at $405,000 to receive a full pension.
From 1 July 2023, Age Pension age will be 67 years, if you were born on or after 1 January 1957.
Is my home considered an asset? Your home is not counted as an asset when calculating pension or payment, but it does affect how your pension or payment is assessed under the assets test. If you are a homeowner your asset value limit is lower than someone who does not own their residence.
If you're a pensioner currently receiving support through Centrelink, you may be eligible for extra help with bills and medicine costs through the Pension Supplement. This supplement is a combined payment of Pharmaceutical Allowance, Utilities Allowance, GST Supplement and Telephone Allowance.
Latest Age Pension changes (from 20 March 2023)
From 20 March 2023 the maximum full Age Pension increases $37.50 per fortnight for a single person, and $28.20 per person per fortnight for a couple. Note: Annual amounts are approximate. The figures above include the pension and energy supplements.
For example, it has the power to obtain your information from other government agencies as well as accessing information from banks, building societies and credit union accounts. It can do this without your prior consent or knowledge. Centrelink's investigation is not limited to recent deposits.
Assets include any: financial investments. home contents, personal effects and vehicles. real estate, annuities, income streams and superannuation pensions.
We check your bank account information is up to date. We do this to check we paid you the right payment and amount in the past.
Pay down debt
By paying off your credit card, personal loan, home loan or any other debt, you will reduce the value of your assessable assets and boost your rate of pension. For example, paying off $50,000 of debt could increase your pension by $3,900 per year.
The inheritance won't affect your income or assets test if you put it in a super fund if: you're under Age Pension age. you haven't started drawing on the fund.
The first full payment at the new rates of pension will be payday 6 April 2023. The maximum rate of single service pension will rise by $37.50 to $1,064.00 per fortnight and the maximum rate for couples will increase by $28.20 to $802.00 per fortnight (each).
The Cost of Living Payment is a $250 one-off payment to help with the cost of living. The Cost of Living Payment is not taxable, and you don't need to report it as income. You'll get it if you were residing in Australia on 29 March 2022, and: you were able to claim, or were getting an eligible payment.
The Government announced on 1 February 2022 that an aged care workforce bonus of up to $800 will be paid to eligible aged care staff in Government subsidised home care and residential care.