Centrelink Age Pension Articles

Budget 2022 – What is in it for older Australians

Budget 2022 – What is in it for older Australians

Budget March 2022 for older Australians Click here for information about the October 2022 budget delivered by Jim Chalmers After weeks of leaks and speculation, the Treasurer presented the Federal Budget 2022-23 in parliament last night. There are wins and...

Pension Increases – Too little, too late or never enough

Pension Increases – Too little, too late or never enough

The 20 March Age Pension increases have unleashed a huge number of comments from Retirement Essentials members. You have let us know, in no uncertain terms, how difficult it is to survive on the current rate of the pension, or when you are squeezed out of...

Age Pension update – biggest increase for nine years

Age Pension update – biggest increase for nine years

Last Sunday, March 20, the highest Age Pension increase for nine years was enacted. The majority of the 3.9 million older Australians in retirement live on a full or part Age Pension. So this is a significant, across the board,  income boost. But it is more...

March 2022 Asset threshold increases

March 2022 Asset threshold increases

As you are no doubt aware, qualification for the Age Pension is dependent upon meeting both the income and assets tests, and whichever test delivers the worse outcome - the lowest amount of pension - is the one upon which your Age Pension entitlement will be...

March 2022 Income Thresholds

March 2022 Income Thresholds

Also known as pension disqualifying income limits, this is the amount of money that you are allowed  to earn before your Age Pension entitlement is removed completely The new income disqualifying limits have been increased by $40.20 per fortnight for singles...

Age Pension Increases

Age Pension Increases

Biggest increase in nine years The March 20 Age Pension increases have been announced, with the highest increase for nine years soon to hit retirees' pay packets. Current inflationary tendencies have had a marked impact on the rate of the Age Pension with...

Should the income threshold be raised?

Should the income threshold be raised?

There’s a lot happening with the Age Pension at the moment. In less than two weeks the scheduled March 20 increases to the base rate will be announced and implemented. And on March 29 the Federal Government will hand down its FY 2022-2023 Budget. With an...

How long since you reviewed your assets?

How long since you reviewed your assets?

You will need to pass two forms of assessment before The Age Pension is granted. One is the incomes test, the other the assets test. There is little leeway in reporting income, which is generally wages, salary, dividends or rent as well as income deemed by...

Retirement Age

Retirement Age

Defining retirement age may seem like a no brainer, but it’s actually a tricky definition. Put simply, there is no such thing as retirement age. Technically you can retire at any age you like, should your circumstances permit. But if you wish to apply for an...