Basic Conditions of Eligibility

• Men born before 1 July 1952 are eligible at age 65
• Women born before 31 December 1945 have reached age pension age. For women born between 1 January 1946 and 1 July 1952, see table below

For both men and women born on or after 1 July 1952 see table below

Residence Requirements

• Must be an Australian resident and in Australia on the day the claim is lodged, unless claiming under an International Social Security Agreement.
• Must have been an Australian resident for a total of at least 10 years, at least five of these years in one continuous period, or
• Residence in certain countries with which Australia has an International Social Security Agreement may count towards Australian residence, or
• Have a qualifying residence exemption (arrived as refugee or under a special program), or
• A women who is widowed in Australia, when both she and her late partner were Australian residents and who has 104 weeks residence immediately prior to claim, or
• Person was in receipt of Widow B Pension, Widow Allowance or Partner Allowance immediately before turning age pension age.
• Can generally be paid for the total period of absence from Australia (some exemptions may apply), however, after 26 weeks the rate may change.

Note: special rules in the case of travel to New Zealand, or if covered by an International Social Security Agreement.

Basic Rates

* These amounts exclude the Pension Supplement which pensioners may receive as an additional payment to the base pension.

• Paid fortnightly to bank, credit union or building society account.
• If a couple is separate because of illness, they may each be able to be paid at the single pension rate. The combined income and assets of the couple are used to work out their rates
• The single rate may be payable to one member of a couple or partner not receiving payment is imprisoned or in a psychiatric hospital
• Partnered rate payable to one member of a couple if partner is not receiving a pension, benefit or allowance.
• Not eligible for Education Entry Payment or Pensioner Education Supplement.

Disclaimer: This is not advice. Items herein are general comments only and do not constitute or convey advice per se. The information contained in this article is for guidance only and should not be relied upon without obtaining professional advice having regard to your specific circumstances.
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