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Eligibility for the Age Pension and CSHC
Making the most of the Age Pension and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
As you approach retirement, understanding how government entitlements like the Age Pension and the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) fit into your financial plan can make a meaningful difference. These supports can help reduce your cost of living and stretch your retirement savings further — and with the right guidance, accessing them can be simpler than you might expect.
The Age Pension
The Age Pension is a fortnightly payment from the Australian Government designed to help eligible Australians cover essential living costs in retirement. For many retirees, it forms a key part of their income — either as a primary source, or as a secondary source to supplement superannuation and personal savings.
Most Australians will receive some Age Pension at some stage in their retirement. Even if you’re not eligible initially, you may qualify later as your financial circumstances change. Planning ahead helps ensure you don’t miss out.
To qualify, you’ll need to meet age, residency, income and asset requirements. You can apply up to 13 weeks before turning 67, helping avoid delays in receiving payments and maximising your entitlements.
What is the Age Pension Assets Test?
The Age Pension Assets Test helps determine your and your partner’s eligibility for the Age Pension, as well as how much you receive fortnightly. This includes, but is not limited to:
- financial investments such as, annuities, income streams and superannuation pensions
- real estate, home contents, personal effects and vehicles
- sole traders, partnerships, private trusts and private companies.
The assets test includes anything you own in Australia and overseas. Refer to Services Australia for more information about the assets test as well as the income test used to determine your age pension.
How much is the Age Pension?
Services Australia determines the current maximum Age Pension rates.
Note that Age Pension rates vary based on factors such as:
- The results of your income and assets tests
- Whether you’re single or in a couple
- If you’re in a couple: whether you live together or separately
When will the Age Pension stop?
In Australia, there are currently no indications that the government intends to stop the Age Pension. However, note that your payments may decrease or stop entirely if you exceed the income or assets thresholds, which are indexed in March, July and September of each year.
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC)
Even if you’re not eligible for the Age Pension, the CSHC may still offer meaningful financial support. In addition to retirees eligible for the Age Pension, many self-funded retirees also qualify, as the means test for the CSHC is based on income only, not assets.
You can check out Services Australia’s criteria to meet the CSHC income test here.
The CSHC benefits include:
- Cheaper prescription medicines
- Bulk-billed doctor visits
- Larger Medicare rebates
- Potential discounts from state and territory governments
It’s an often-overlooked form of assistance that can help your savings go further in retirement. You must be at least 67 years old to proceed with your CSHC application.
Combining the Age Pension and Super
Many retirees draw income from both super and the Age Pension over time. Planning tools can help you forecast how long your savings may last and when you might qualify for a part or full pension. This flexible approach supports a stable and sustainable retirement income.
In addition, the CSHC might help stretch your savings further. Every dollar counts!
Using retirement calculators and planning tools can help you explore how these elements work together, so you can make informed decisions about drawdown strategies and income sustainability.
Guided Support Can Make a Big Difference
Applying for the Age Pension or CSHC through Centrelink can be complex, with detailed forms, supporting documents and follow-ups. That’s why many retirees choose guided support through services like Retirement Essentials, who has partnered with Prime Super to offer:
- Eligibility calculators at no extra cost to members
- Application preparation and lodgement support available for an additional fee
Your Next Steps — A Simple Checklist
- Check your eligibility early — apply up to 13 weeks before turning 67.
- Choose your application pathway — apply directly via Centrelink or consider guided support through a service such as Retirement Essentials.
- Review your concession options — even if you’re self-funded, the CSHC may offer valuable savings.
- Use planning tools — explore how super and the Age Pension can work together to support your retirement lifestyle.