Understanding the Age Pension just got easier
We help thousands of Australians access the Age Pension with confidence – without the stress, confusion or delays
Getting the support you deserve shouldn’t be hard
Navigating Centrelink can be frustrating. That’s why Retirement Essentials exists — to help you understand what you’re entitled to when it comes to the Age Pension and make the process simple, clear and stress free.
Why it matters
The Age Pension supports you in retirement, and offers more than you might expect.
The Age Pension provides regular fortnightly payments to help cover everyday living expenses. If you’re 67 or older, you may be eligible — and many retirees are surprised by just how much support is available.
Key benefits of the Age Pension:
- Fortnightly income payments to supplement retirement living
- Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) — discounted healthcare, prescriptions & public transport
- Pension & Energy supplements — to help with bills, phone/internet, and medical costs
- Rent assistance — extra help for eligible renters
- Additional support — including assistance with medical equipment or household deductions
At Retirement Essentials, we ensure you understand exactly what you’re entitled to!
Use our free calculator - understand your benefits today
You’re in good hands
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FAQs
How accurate is your Age Pension Calculator?
Our Age Pension Calculator provides a high level estimate of your eligibility for the Age Pension based on the current eligibility rules set by Centrelink and it is based on a limited number of questions. The estimate will be reassessed and refined as you answer all the questions in your Age Pension Application with us.
Our Age Pension Calculator has been rigorously tested by a large professional services firm.
Can I get a detailed report of my eligibility and benefits?
When you have calculated your eligibility using our Age Pension Calculator you will have the option to receive your personalised Eligibility Report by email. Your personalised Eligibility Report provides a summary of how we’ve determined your eligibility as well as helpful information about applying for and keeping your Age Pension.
How long does the application process take?
Generally, we find that it takes our members less than one hour to complete our online Age Pension application. Of course this is in instances where members have all the necessary information on hand. Members with more complex circumstances may take a little longer. Once finalised, Retirement Essentials will prepare your completed forms within 2-3 business days and lodge them once you have set us as your Correspondence Nominee.
Centrelink advise that claims can take up to 13 weeks to be approved however this can vary greatly depending on the complexity of your financial situation, the quality of your supporting documents and Centrelink’s own backlog of claims to be assessed.
Why don’t I just go to Centrelink and apply there?
You can apply for the Age Pension directly with Centrelink. If you prefer doing it on your own, we can email you a helpful guide to assist. Simply check your eligibility using our Age Pension Calculator and we’ll send you the guide along with your personalised Eligibility Report.
You may be interested to know that we have conducted research with Australian retirees. The majority of retirees we surveyed who’ve applied for the Age Pension via Centrelink say they have found it frustrating and many got so frustrated that they simply gave up.
The SMH reported in October 2023 that between July 1, 2022, and January 31, 2023, two-thirds of calls to Centrelink went unanswered. So of the 25 million calls made during this time, only 8.35 million were answered. At the same time, Women's Agenda has also reported that in 2023, call wait times have ballooned to over 45 minutes on average. At Retirement Essentials we know there is a smarter way. Our Age Pension application process guides retirees through the application requirements without having to fill out the Centrelink forms – we do this for you! With only one visit to Centrelink and access to online and call-centre support. Our smarter technology is enabling more Australians to access the Age Pension.
Retirement Essentials also provides our members with ongoing support and advice to navigate keeping their Age Pension.