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Age Pension: March 2013 rates now available

March 18, 2013
By 53 Comments

The new Age Pension rates, taking effect from 20 March 2013 (and applicable until 19 September 2013) are set out in the tables below. A single person eligible for the full Age Pension in Australia can now expect an annual Age Pension income (including supplement, and Clean Energy Supplement) of around $21,020. A couple eligible for the full Age Pension can expect combined annual Age Pension entitlements (including supplement, and Clean Energy Supplement) of around $31,700.

Extra payment amount: The Clean Energy Supplement (CES) is an “an ongoing payment to help eligible households with any impact from the carbon price on everyday expenses… provided you are residing permanently in Australia” says the federal government. The maximum fortnightly payment for the CES is $13.50 for singles, and $10.20 each when part of a couple. The CES is treated as non-taxable is not considered ‘income’ for the purposes of family assistance or income support.

Important: Note that ‘pf’ stands for ‘per fortnight’. The Age Pension rates are adjusted twice-yearly – in March and September.

Age Pension rates

Single (per fortnight)

20 September 2012 20 March 2013 Increase
Base $712.00 $733.70 $21.70 pf
Supplement $60.60 $61.20 $0.60 pf
Clean Energy Supplement $0.00 $13.50 $13.50 pf
Total $772.60 $808.40 $35.80 pf

Couple (each per fortnight)

20 September 2012 20 March 2013 Increase
Base $536.70 $553.10 $16.40 pf
Supplement $45.70 $46.10 $0.40 pf
Clean Energy Supplement $0.00 $10.20 $10.20 pf
Total $582.40 $609.40 $27.00

Source: FaHCSIA website (www.fahcsia.gov.au)

Age Pension basic rates – transitional rules

Due to a tightening of the Age Pension income test from 20 September 2009, the Government introduced a transitional Age Pension rate to protect the entitlements for existing pensioners as at 20 September 2009 (affecting about 30% of Age Pensioners). Without the introduction of a transitional rate, some individuals would have faced a cut in payments. Affected Age Pensioners will remain on the transitional rate (plus allowances) until they are better off under the new rules that came into effect from 20 September 2009.

The new transitional rate is indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases in March and September. According to FaHCSIA (Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs), the notional maximum pension for transitional rate pensioners from 20 March 2013 is $694.80 per fortnight for a single pensioner and $1,120.80 per fortnight (combined) for pensioner couples. This rate excludes Rent Assistance, but includes the new Clean Energy Supplement.

Note: If you’re on the transitional Age Pension rate, you will be assessed under the old and new rules, until Centrelink assesses that you will be better off under the new rules. Once Centrelink determines that you’re better off under the new rules, you will then be permanently subject to the new rules. According to one of our readers, his research indicates that most individuals on the transitional Age Pension rate should have reverted to the regular rates by September 2010, although presumably there are still Australians on the transitional rates (if the Government continues to publish updated transitional rates).

Although another reader has informed us that he and his wife receive a part pension determined by the income test under the transitional rules. He says: “With the latest increase any couple with an income of between $26,250 and $77,850 (approx) is better off under the transitional arrangement. We don’t believe we are unique; there must be plenty of couples who fall into this category. The lower limit is gradually going up, but we expect to be on the transitional rate for quite a few years yet.”

Age Pension transitional rates

Resident in Australia

20 September 2012 20 March 2013 Increase
Single (per fortnight)
Age Pension (maximum) $675.20 $681.30 $6.10 pf
Clean Energy Supplement $0.00 $13.50 $13.50 pf
Total $675.20 $694.80 $19.60 pf
Couple (each, per fortnight)
Age Pension (maximum) $545.30 $550.20 $4.90 pf
Clean Energy Supplement $0.00 $10.20 $10.20 pf
Total $545.30 $560.40 $15.10 pf

Age Pension transition rates – Not resident

Not resident in Australia or absent for period of greater than 13 weeks

20 September 2012 20 March 2013 Increase
Single (pf) $619.30 $624.90 $5.60 pf
Couple (each, pf) $517.40 $522.10 $4.70 pf

Source: The information contained in this table was sourced from the following link: http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/03_2013/indexation_pension_rates_march2013.pdf

Many of the rates and thresholds that are linked to the Age Pension also change from 20 March 2013. Click on this link (http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/03_2013/indexation_pension_rates_march2013.pdf) to find the latest indexed rates (effective from 20 March 2013) for the following rates and thresholds:

The following SuperGuide articles also provide further explanation of the Age Pension rates and thresholds, and how the Age Pension rules operate:

Age Pension: March 2013 rates now available Super Guide

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How super works, Retirement planning

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Comments

  1. elna says:
    April 6, 2013 at 8:50 pm

    My partner whom i live for almost 10 years was born with both parents are Australian . He arrived here in the Philippines last 2003 and decided to stay here for good .i look after him without any complain but full of compassion and understanding despite of his unpredictable behavior . last January this year 2013 , I ask him to visit the Psychiatrist doctor to give him a medicine to help him sleep . I found out that he is diagnose bipolar … He is turning 62 this coming October 16 and he told me about Age Pension … i dont have any idea about this but he needs it because of the medicine that is very expensive . i want him to go back to Australia but he refuse to do it if i will not go with him . I do not know what to do exactly ? i need your help , anybody in the Government of Australia … Please ………… God bless you all

    Reply
    • Trish Power says:
      April 8, 2013 at 4:51 pm

      Hi Elna
      I am sorry to hear about your circumstances. We are not in a position to help you as we are merely an information service but Australia does have a consular service to help Australians in trouble overseas. The consular office in the Phillipines is in Manila – see contact details and website below. The website also provides information on the type of help the Australian consul can provide.
      I hope everything works out.
      Regards
      The SuperGuide Team

      Australian Embassy, Philippines
      Head of Mission
      Australian Ambassador to Philippines

      Address
      Level 23-Tower 2, RCBC Plaza,
      6819 Ayala Avenue (Makati City)
      Manila
      Philippines

      Postal address
      PO Box 1071
      Makati Central Post Office, 1200, Makati
      Philippines

      Telephone
      +63 2 7578 100

      Fax
      +63 2 7578 268

      Website
      Australian Embassy in Philippines website http://www.philippines.embassy.gov.au/mnla/home.html

      Reply
  2. Yvonne says:
    April 1, 2013 at 1:26 pm

    I am 62, my husband has just left me. I have no assets other than a 2005 Ford Fairlane. I havent worked for nerly 20 years. Do I qualify for something form the government and how do I go about doing this. thanks
    Yvonne

    Reply
  3. john f kellett says:
    March 30, 2013 at 10:39 am

    Hi.Trish

    I wish to know the amount (either assets or income) a couple (who own their own home) are allowed to have before they become ineligible for the aged pension?

    Cheers John.

    Reply
  4. Kate French says:
    March 21, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    I have no income, no assets other than a 20 year old car and did not have any income, no real assets in 2009 either. I am worse off under the transitional rate (my base rate is less than the base rate currently being quoted for regular rates), why am I being paid transional rate when I am worse off? Does centrelink make mistakes on this?

    Reply
  5. suzana says:
    March 21, 2013 at 9:17 am

    Hi,
    My mum receives a Widow Pension and she would like to know if her pension will increase after 20th March 2013?
    Thanks

    Reply
  6. Tricia L says:
    March 6, 2013 at 6:27 am

    A good friend of ours met and fell in love with a really great Australian guy on a world cruise – yes it does really happen. They’ve been together now for over 2 years. He has come to England because he is retired but she is younger and still working. Unfortunately he found he had bowel cancer some months ago and has been having excellent care here in the UK and is hopefully now on the mend. He was told he had to return to Australia and live there for at least two years or lose his pension. This was while he was undergoing treatment. I know that the reciprocal arrangement between the UK and Australia was stopped for some reason in 2001 and that a UK pensioner can still collect their pension in Australia. The news has hit them both hard because money is quite tight for them. Is there any way he can receive his pension while resident here in the UK? Can he plead extenuating circumstances with regard to his ill health? They seem so low they have given up. I have not told them I am asking but would appreciate any advice anyone out there can offer to help them both.

    Reply
    • Trish Power says:
      March 6, 2013 at 1:50 pm

      Hi Tricia
      Thanks for your email. Questions regarding Age Pension and living overseas are generally quite tricky because it can often depend on the specific facts of each case.
      I contacted Centrelink’s Financial Information Service and provided them with your question (with no personal identification) and they suggested that it would be best if you (or your friend) call the Centrelink International Services phone number. When calling from the United Kingdom, the number is 0800 1695 865. You are likely to need to provide a bit more information about the circumstances.
      I wish you all the best
      Regards
      Trish

      Reply
  7. john says:
    February 26, 2013 at 6:15 pm

    I have applied for a top up on my morgage but was told because my wife is my carer and recieves a carers Pension her pension is not counted only my pension is counted my house is only 12 years old and i have just spent 15000 over the passed two years so i was refused even though the amount we pay now would not have increased with the top up my morgage is not great compared with the value of my home apparently if we were both on the old age pension both would be counted who makes these rules if i have got it wrong may some one can explain to me over my 73 years we were going well early but in the last twenty years society in this country has changed the great family society i grew up in does not exist any more to much red tape and the loss of our democratic rights were to next

    Reply
    • David B says:
      February 27, 2013 at 8:17 pm

      john…. have you heard of a gramatical construct called “sentences”?

      Reply
    • Graham says:
      March 4, 2013 at 7:22 pm

      David, I am trying to find something charitable in your remark but sadly it does not appear possible.Have you heard the saying “there but for the Grace of God go I? You may feel superior to be blessed with such discernment, but humility and empathy might serve you better.

      Reply
  8. Robin says:
    January 24, 2013 at 9:57 am

    I have been receiving a DVA disability pension since 1981. I am now so disabled due to defined injuries and arthritis and I am unable to secure full time employment. As I have no super I choose to live in Thailand when not employed as I cannot afford to live in Australia without employment.
    I lost my super and house due to the Child Support Agency demands in 1991-2.
    So I now need to return to Australia and live on the streets for 2 years to be eligible for an OA application, then graduate to a park bench for 2 years while I wait to be allowed to leave.
    Who do I sue for my death? Surely 4 years living out of a swag with acute arthritis will kill me!

    Reply
    • David B says:
      February 27, 2013 at 8:18 pm

      Robin, you do not have to stay four years before receiving the pension. In fact, you can receive it straight away if the department is convinced you intend to stay in Australia. But you must remain there for two years before leaving. A two year stay all up – not four.

      Reply
  9. Carol says:
    August 31, 2012 at 11:12 pm

    I have just become a widow, my husband was retired and receiving a fortnightly tax free pension from the essuper, Victoria. I believe I will payed 75% of what he was receiving until he died, would I also receive a part government pension? as we were receiving before my husband passed away.

    Carol

    Reply
  10. Andre de Koning says:
    June 29, 2012 at 12:35 am

    In Seniors Rates Payment (Aus. Gov. doc. from Human Services, of 20 March — 30 June 2012) it says:
    “Partnered rate payable to one member of a couple if partner is not receiving a pension, benefit or allowance.”
    Does that not simply mean that the younger partner, who is not yet eligible, will benefit through the partner receiving the full, double, couple rate if this partner does not work or has no other income? This is something so relevant and yet it is hard to find. I am abroad and cannot get the answer from Centrelink (cannot dial teh 13…numbers and they don’t answer via email). I need toplan for next year and need to know an answer to this question: is this true (partnered, double rate) or not?
    Looking forward to your answer

    Reply
    • Trudi Bell says:
      March 27, 2013 at 1:23 pm

      If, as you say, Centrelink does not respond to emails, why not send a letter instead?

      As to your question, when you look at the partnered rates you will see that each partner of a couple will receive an amount that is slightly less than the single rate. Naturally, individual eligibility still comes into it as well. So when you say that your partner is not eligible due to her age, it is then extremely unlikely that you would get double the amount paid to you.

      I’m afraid this means that your partner will have to continue working until she herself qualifies for an Australian age pension. As you say that you are living abroad, if this means that your partner is not an Australian citizen, then I think you have buckleys of a chance that she will ever qualify for an Australian pension. Read up on basic qualifications for an Australian pension regarding living in Australia, etc.

      Reply
  11. james says:
    June 22, 2012 at 12:35 pm

    I am approaching my retirement age of 65 in November this year…my wife is much younger than myself ..and is still working….I have been in a self employment situation for many years..and although I still obtain work ..it does not total to much each year and taxable income at the end of the year is usually below the threshold ! can i still apply for the pension ..in this situation ?..and still work ..or even get a part pension ?

    Thank you
    James

    Reply
  12. Ken Thompson says:
    June 18, 2012 at 7:00 am

    Hi
    I am an aust citz. Lived in Ozzie all my life and retired early.
    I moved to Thailand and lived on my super at the 62.

    Will I receive the aged pension at 65

    Regards ken

    Reply
    • tony says:
      June 27, 2012 at 10:25 am

      centrelink will deny you your pension if you have;nt resided in aus for the previous 2 yrs something which they dont publicise .I was told by centrelink rep 2 yrs prior to my applying that all I needed was to be in aus at the time of application I had no proof of this ;;;Dont accept anything from them by word of mouth get it in writing Iwas in same situ;as you try to speak to same person each time ;not easy; as they dont communicate with each other even at adjoining desks I had so much stress over many issues finally contacted prime ministers office and got most things resolved ;;youre just a number mate good luck

      Reply
    • Robin says:
      January 24, 2013 at 9:38 am

      Ken, seems you will have to return toAustralia to make the application and stay there for 2 years before you can leave permanently. I am in the same boat but have no super, been scratching on my DVA pension (1/2 the age pension).
      Have spoken to many Aussie expats in Thailand and quite a few have returned to sort it out.

      Reply
  13. Rosita Vete says:
    June 2, 2012 at 10:20 am

    I just want to know if I could get financial assistance or get a loan to make a room for myself under my daughters’ house as my grandkids are growing and they need there own room. I don’t know were to open doors. Hope you could show me the way.

    Thanks a lot.
    Rosita

    Reply
  14. jane says:
    May 15, 2012 at 5:37 pm

    I am single female on an australian aged pension, if I marry or live with some one who is working will I loose my pension

    Reply
  15. Pauline Lad says:
    May 15, 2012 at 5:29 pm

    I have a friend who is 62 years of age and has just married a woman from Thailand who is 60 years of age. He states that she will be entitled to an aged pension in Australia when she turns 65 years of age. This woman has properties in Thailand and has wealth which I know will not be disclosed when it comes to the time of applying for a pension. This does not seem fair to me especially when she has wealth and has contributed nothing to our country. Is she entitled to our aged pension?

    Reply
    • Jeanne says:
      November 25, 2012 at 3:34 pm

      No she won’t . We do not have a social security arrangement with Thailand, and the lady must meet social security waiting times, and I believe to get the age pension, she will have to wait out 10 years as being a resident, so if she choses to take out residency in Australia, well, she is going to be at least 70.

      Reply
  16. barbara says:
    May 9, 2012 at 11:05 pm

    If I no have to pay for rent,I will receive smaller pension ?

    Reply
  17. Mary says:
    November 28, 2011 at 11:31 am

    I am confused about the rate if one partners is at retirement age and the other is younger but not working. You said it is half the couples rate, This less that the single rate by my reckoning. Is this right?

    Reply
    • Trish Power says:
      December 6, 2011 at 5:09 pm

      Hi Mary
      The general rule is that if one partner is at Age Pension age and the other partner is under Age Pension age, then the maximum entitlement for the eligible partner is half of the couples rate. The younger non-working couple may be eligible for an alternative Centrelink benefit but it is best to confirm your circumstances with Centrelink. The Financial Information Service ( http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/services/fis.htm ) can also provide you with free guidance on your entitlements.
      Regards
      Trish

      Reply
  18. Pino says:
    September 4, 2011 at 1:00 pm

    I have a story to tell

    I have been an Australian citizen since 1970, and lived in Victoria and Queensland over this time, (never left Australia).
    In late August 2008, at age 62, I left my employment and came to live in Thailand, been here for the last 2 years, and planning to stay here a few more years.
    In August this year 2011 I returned to Australia for two weeks and lodged my age pension forms, thinking that as an Australian Citizen and after having spent almost 40 years in the country, I would be able to claim it. To my surprise I received notification from Center link stating that my application was declined because I did not live in Australia for the last 2 years ??????
    I am not a mathematician, but 3/4 of my life was spent in Australia believing that I belonged to the pack (proud Australian) , then I left the country for 5 minutes, and by pure magic I lost my rights.
    I am totally confused, they have asked me to live in Australia for 2 years before I can claim it !!!!! what happened to almost 40 years that I lived there ????
    The mighty Australia, the crusader of human rights, the world leader in everything and anything, the lucky country, the , the ,the…………(to many virtues and qualities to list here) is conveniently ROBBING me of my basic rights ????

    It seems to me that Center link , and policy makers have difficulty understanding the terms “Citizenship” and “Residency”
    Citizenship is a privilege given by any government to a citizen allowing him to live in a country .
    Residency is a privilege that any citizen should have in deciding where one wants to live.
    Conveniently the Australian government (Center link) is using the loophole of “residency) to refuse to pay Old Age Pension if one does not live in Australia two years prior of claiming OAP.
    I lived in Australia for 40 years, (continually) worked, pay my dues, and lived as perfect citizen, but regrettably two years before reaching age 65 I lived in Thailand, and by pure magic I lost the right to claim OAP.
    One does not have to be a mathematician, but 40 years is far greater than 2, are they STUPID ???????? I don’t think so, in fact I think they are very smart (or at least they think they are.
    Now if a Citizen lived in Australia lets say for 5 years, left the country for 30 years, but decided to return to Oz for two years ,(prior to lodge a claim) he/she is entitled to receive the OAP …..OOPPS !!!!! I should have warned you………my mathematical skills are not the best.
    As we say back home …..they need to (STOP THE B… S…)
    Old Age pension is just that “OLD AGE PENSION) , no b… s…, no loop holes, no ifs & buts, no trickery, and above all AUSTRALIA (I mean Politicians) don’t insult our intelligence……….WE MADE THE COUNTRY THAT AUSTRALIA IS.

    A child would tell you that anything that has strings attached is NOTHING BUT A CON, PERIOD.
    Don’t insult our intelligence.
    (Scrap the two year ruling), 20,30 or 40 years in the country is far greater then 2 years, don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand that.
    Centre link and Politicians must come to their senses, and “CALL A SPADE A SPADE” no strings attached, they already have a rotten reputation , they invented corruption, now they want us to follow in their foot steps and then wonder why people rot the system.

    God bless Australia

    A very disgruntled Australian

    Reply
  19. Helen Smith says:
    July 23, 2011 at 2:34 pm

    Hello

    Are pensioners required to pay tax on there pension only income if it exceeds the tax free threshold of $6,000.00 which it easily does compared to someone who only earns $30,000.00 and who has to pay tax after the threshold and the reasons why.

    Thanks
    Helen

    Reply
  20. Janelle says:
    July 22, 2011 at 3:08 pm

    Hi, I am on a disability pension and my husband is on an old age pension, as we still have a mortgage and we have no funds or superannuation, we are finding the going pretty tough. If my husband was able to pick up a little work here and there how much are we able to earn above the amount we get each fortnight. Just the standard pension without rent assistance.

    Reply
  21. Peter Hughes says:
    June 13, 2011 at 7:11 pm

    Hi Trish,
    When i retire at 65, and my wife who dosn’t work but is seven years younger than me, does that mean i only get the single pension rate till she gets to the qualifying age.
    Thanks
    Peter

    Reply
    • Trish Power says:
      July 20, 2011 at 2:50 pm

      Hi Peter
      Thanks for your comment. I suggest you contact Centrelink – they should be answer to this question immediately.
      In some circumstances, an individual may receive the full couple rate even though only partner is eligible.
      My understanding is that the usual rate is half of the couple rate, rather than the single rate.
      Centrelink can answer this more fully.
      Regards
      Trish

      Reply
  22. Duncan Graham says:
    April 22, 2011 at 10:20 am

    I’m still confused: What rate is applied when only one member of a married couple is eligible and the couple are not resident in Australia? Thank you

    Reply
  23. Turner says:
    March 25, 2011 at 8:12 am

    I’m just having a cursory look at your Australian pension rates to compare with our Canadian Old Age security benefits, and, unless I’m missing something, the Aussies beat us Canadians “hands down”!!

    Based on zero income from other sources, Canadian Old Age Security rates combined with the G.I.S. (Guaranteed Income Supplement) that begin at 65 yrs. old, can be found here:

    http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/isp/oas/tabrates/tab1-1.shtml

    Aus$, Cdn$ and U.S.$ are all near par with each other, so — no need to convert currencies.

    Reply
  24. Judith Garrety says:
    March 11, 2011 at 2:35 pm

    I would like to know why married pensioners are discriminated against to the amount of $l76.30 per week. It is impossible to survive in your own home on the amount we get. Would you advise me to
    divorce my husband of 44 years, so that we are not living so far beyond the poverty line.

    Reply
    • Trish Power says:
      April 1, 2011 at 1:34 pm

      Hi Judith
      Thanks for your comment.
      In September 2009, the Government adjusted the Age Pension for single people so it is now 2/3 of the couple’s rate: before this date, the gap was smaller between what couples received (per person) and what singles received. The increase in the single pension was in recognition that many fixed costs are the same for a single person or couple.

      Whether the couple’s rate is sufficient or not, is something you can take up with your local member of Parliament.
      You may find the following article of some interest (note that the rates mentioned have been updated since this article was published – you can find the latest rates in other SuperGuide articles)
      http://www.superguide.com.au/superannuation-basics/age-pension-government-retirees
      I hope you do pursue this matter because I receive a lot of emails expressing similar sentiments.
      Regards
      Trish

      Reply
  25. gary says:
    January 28, 2011 at 12:56 am

    Why doesn’t Australia have a part or reduced payment plan for age 60.. like many European and Asian countries that we would consider “3rd world” ??

    Reply
  26. Bev says:
    May 18, 2010 at 10:29 am

    I am 63 yrs and 3 months, my husband is applying for the Aged pension in August, I would like to know how my super income stream pension and my super fund will affect his pension. I thought my super and pension was not counted in his assets or income test because I am under pension age. Is this true? I will be 64 next February. Bev

    Reply
  27. Jim Angel says:
    April 21, 2010 at 11:51 am

    I am after information on a small amount of super and what benefits I and my wife are entitled to from centrelink as I am about to lose my job. We are both in our early sixties

    Reply

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