Age Pension Eligibility Age — When Can You Claim in Australia?

The Age Pension eligibility age in Australia is 67 for most people approaching retirement today. The eligibility age was gradually increased from 65 between 2017 and 2023 as part of the government’s changes to align retirement ages with increased life expectancy.

Age Pension Eligibility Age by Date of Birth

If you were born on or after 1 January 1957 — which covers most Australians currently in the workforce — you need to be 67 to claim the Age Pension.

Residency Requirement

In addition to meeting the age threshold, you must:

• Be an Australian resident and in Australia when you claim
• Have lived in Australia for at least 10 years in total, with at least 5 consecutive years
• Some periods of absence may still count, particularly if you were working overseas for an Australian employer, or if Australia has a social security agreement with the country you were in

Australia has international social security agreements with a number of countries including the UK, Italy, Greece, North Macedonia, Malta, Ireland, New Zealand, the US, Canada, Germany, Chile, and others. If you lived and worked in one of these countries, some of that working history may count toward your residency requirements.

When to Apply

• You can submit your Age Pension claim up to 13 weeks before you reach the qualifying age
• Your payment is backdated to the date you reach Age Pension age (or your claim lodgement date, whichever is later)
• Applying early avoids a gap in payment — particularly important if you are relying on the pension from your 67th birthday

What Happens if You Keep Working?

Reaching Age Pension age does not mean you must stop working. You can:

• Work full-time, part-time, or casually while receiving the Age Pension (subject to the income test)
• Benefit from the Work Bonus — which allows $300/fortnight in employment income to not count toward your income test

See the Age Pension income test guide for details on how working affects your payment.

Super Access vs Age Pension Age

Note that there are two different age thresholds relevant to retirement:

You can access your super at 60 (if retired or starting a transition to retirement pension), but you cannot claim the Age Pension until 67. There is a potential 7-year gap that needs to be planned for.

During this gap (age 60–67), you may need to live on super drawdown, other savings, or continue working. If you have insufficient savings, you may qualify for JobSeeker Payment (if under 67 and meeting requirements) or other income support.

FAQ

Will the Age Pension age increase further? There are no legislated increases beyond 67 currently in Australia. However, it is possible future governments could propose further increases as part of long-term budget planning. The current eligibility age of 67 was introduced in 2023.

Can I get the Age Pension if I am still working? Yes — working does not disqualify you from the Age Pension. Your employment income is assessed under the income test and may reduce your pension, but the Work Bonus can offset some of this. See the income test guide.

Does my partner need to be 67 to get the Age Pension? No — each person in a couple is assessed individually based on their own age and eligibility. However, your partner’s income and assets are counted in the means test once you are claiming.

See also: Age Pension Guide | Age Pension Rates | Age Pension Income Test

For advice tailored to your retirement situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser via MoneySmart.