The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.2.3.10 Age pension (Age) - description

Objective of Age

Age is an income support payment paid to people who:

  • have reached pension age, AND
  • are resident in Australia (1.1.A.320) at the date of claim and fulfil residence requirements (1.1.R.210), AND
  • meet the means test.

Act reference: SSAct section 23(1)-'income support payment', section 23(5A) to (5D) Pension age

Supplementary assistance

Age recipients MAY also receive:

  • rent assistance
  • pension supplement
  • energy supplement
  • remote area allowance, and
  • pensioner concession card.

Recipients may also be eligible to access the HEAS (formerly PLS) and the work bonus.

Bereavement payment provisions

The surviving member of a couple (1.1.M.120) may be eligible for bereavement payments following the death of a partner (1.1.P.85).

Following the death of a single pensioner a bereavement payment may be payable to the person best entitled to it.

How Age is paid

Age is paid fortnightly.

Act reference: SSAct section 43(1) Qualification for Age

Policy reference: SS Guide 1.2.3.50 Home equity access scheme (HEAS) - description, 3.4.1 Age - qualification & payability, 5.1.3.10 Age - current rates, 1.1.P.210 Permanent blindness (DSP, Age), 3.1.15 Work bonus

Last reviewed: