Age Pension Rates Australia — Current Fortnightly Amounts (2026)
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Contents
Age Pension rates are indexed by Services Australia twice a year — in March and September — to keep pace with the cost of living. Rates are adjusted in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI), whichever is higher.
Always verify the most current rates at Services Australia.
Current Age Pension Rates (as at March 2026 indexation)
Single
| Component | Fortnightly | Annual (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Base pension | ~$1,047.10 | ~$27,225 |
| Pension supplement | ~$83.20 | ~$2,163 |
| Energy supplement | ~$14.10 | ~$367 |
| Total (single) | ~$1,144.40 | ~$29,754 |
Couple (each person)
| Component | Fortnightly | Annual (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Base pension | ~$790.00 | ~$20,540 |
| Pension supplement | ~$62.70 | ~$1,630 |
| Energy supplement | ~$10.60 | ~$276 |
| Total per person | ~$863.30 | ~$22,446 |
| Total couple combined | ~$1,726.60 | ~$44,892 |
Note: figures are approximate based on March 2026 indexation. Confirm at servicesaustralia.gov.au before making financial decisions.
What Makes Up the Age Pension Payment
Base pension
The main income support component. This is the amount that is reduced under the income and assets tests.
Pension supplement
A quarterly lump sum (or fortnightly by default) additional payment to help with daily living costs — utilities, phone, internet, and medicines. The minimum pension supplement is paid even if your base pension is reduced to zero by the means tests.
Energy supplement
A small ongoing supplement to help with energy costs. Paid fortnightly. Not subject to means testing.
Rates for People Separated Due to Illness
If a couple is separated because one partner is in residential aged care or hospital, each person may be entitled to the single rate of pension rather than the couples rate. This results in a higher combined payment.
| Status | Each person fortnightly (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Couple separated due to illness | ~$1,144.40 each |
Deeming Rates (FY2025–26)
Rather than assessing actual income from financial assets, Centrelink uses “deeming” — a notional rate of return applied to your financial assets regardless of actual earnings.
| Asset balance | Deeming rate |
|---|---|
| First ~$60,400 (single) / ~$100,200 (couple) | 0.25% per annum |
| Above the threshold | 2.25% per annum |
Deeming rates are set by the Minister for Social Services and can change independently of the RBA cash rate.
Lower deeming rates reduce your deemed income, which can help you qualify for a higher pension rate or pass the income test.
How Rates Are Indexed
Age Pension rates are increased in March and September each year by the higher of:
- CPI increase (Consumer Price Index)
- PBLCI increase (Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index)
- MTAWE benchmark (Male Total Average Weekly Earnings) — ensures single pension is at least 27.7% of MTAWE
This triple-lock indexation means the Age Pension generally keeps pace with or slightly outpaces consumer price rises.
Rent Assistance
If you pay rent and are on the Age Pension, you may qualify for Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA), paid on top of your pension.
Maximum Rent Assistance (FY2025–26):
| Status | Maximum CRA fortnightly |
|---|---|
| Single | ~$188.50 |
| Couple (combined) | ~$177.40 |
CRA phases in once rent exceeds a threshold and phases up to the maximum. You must be paying private rent (not living in public housing, community housing, or your own home).
FAQ
When are Age Pension rates updated? Rates are reviewed and updated in March and September each year by Services Australia.
Does working affect my Age Pension amount? Yes — employment income reduces your pension under the income test. However, the Work Bonus allows Age Pension recipients to earn up to ~$300/fortnight in employment income without it affecting their payment. See the Age Pension income test guide.
Is the Age Pension taxable? The Age Pension is assessable income for tax purposes. However, most Age Pension recipients pay little or no income tax because of the tax-free threshold, Senior Australians and Pensioners Tax Offset (SAPTO), and the low overall amounts received.
See also: Age Pension Guide | Age Pension Income Test | Age Pension Assets Test
For advice tailored to your retirement situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser via MoneySmart.