Are you ready to apply for the Age Pension?

A checklist to help you prepare and succeed.

Applying for the Age Pension can feel like a big step. Even if you’re confident that you meet the eligibility rules, the process can be time-consuming and confusing. Small mistakes – like missing documents or misunderstood rules – can result in frustrating delays or even a knockback that could have been avoided.

Some people sail through. 

Eveyln told us ‘My dealings with Centrelink have been amazing so far…the process was not as cumbersome as I was led to believe.’ Matthew had a similar experience: ‘Quick and easy process…my pension was approved in a month, noting ‘it helps if your financial situation is not too complicated.’’ Greg applied online and was approved in seven weeks, describing the process as ‘fairly simple’.

But not everyone finds it that smooth and straightforward. 

Keith and Rosemary were still waiting months after applying – frustrated by unclear timelines, long call centre queues, and requests for information that seemed never-ending. Rosemary wrote: ‘Six months of waiting…missing out on lower doctor and chemist fees.’ 

And it’s not just Age Pension applicants who run into challenges. Angus, who recently applied for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC), was similarly overwhelmed:  ‘The details required were far too complex. I bet many people give up during their application.’

While the CSHC has different eligibility rules to the Age Pension, Angus’s comments highlight a common challenge – navigating an unfamiliar and often overburdened system. For many people, this might be their first (and only) time applying for government support ever, so what are your chances of knowing how to get through without a hitch on the first go?

To give you an idea of what’s involved, this checklist outlines the key steps and documents that most applicants will need. It’s designed to help you:

• Check if you’re on the right track – whether you’re applying now or planning ahead for Age Pension eligibility. 
• Stay organised during the process
• Troubleshoot delays or issues after you’ve applied

Let’s start with the essentials:

1. Do you meet the eligibility criteria?

You can apply up to 13 weeks before you reach Age Pension age.

To qualify, you must:

• Be aged 67 or over (if born on or after 1 January 1957)
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident and have lived in Australia for at least 10 years, continuously for five of those years. 
• Pass both the income and assets tests

Not sure if you’ll qualify? Use our free Age Pension Eligibility Calculator to get a quick estimate. If you’re close to the thresholds, knowing where you stand can help you take action—whether that’s reducing assessable assets, pausing an income stream, or adjusting your timing.

2. Do you have the right documents ready? 

Centrelink requires evidence for your identity, residency, finances, and living arrangements. You’ll typically need:

Personal details

• Proof of identity: one document from each of three categories (e.g. birth certificate, driver’s license, Medicare card)
• Proof of residency (visa or citizenship documents, if relevant)
• Tax File Number

Financial documents

• Recent bank statements (dated within the past month)
• Superannuation statements (including any accumulation and income stream accounts)
• Member statements and income stream schedules (for SMSF’s or older style pensions)
• Details of shares, managed funds, or investments
• Property ownership details (excluding your primary residence)
• Information about vehicles, caravans, boats
• Details of businesses, trusts, or companies – even dormant ones
• Evidence of foreign pensions or income

Tip: Always use copies of official documents – Centrelink won’t accept screenshots or summaries in place of official statements.

3. Have you reviewed your income and assets declarations carefully?

Centrelink uses both an income test and an assets test, and this often catches people out. Common issues include:

• Double-counting super income – If you’re receiving an Account-Based Pension, you don’t need to list your drawdowns as income. They’re already included through deeming.
• Overstating asset values – Centrelink assesses market value, not sentimental or replacement value.
• Leaving out companies or trusts – Even if no income is generated, they still count.
• Applying too early while still working – If your current income is high, it may affect your initial entitlement. But if you are retiring within 13 weeks of applying, you may still qualify – just be sure your circumstances match what you’ve declared. 

Mistakes like these are a major reason for delays and rejections.

4. Do you have a MyGov account and Centrelink CRN?

To apply online, you’ll need both:

• A MyGov account
• A Centrelink Customer Reference Number (CRN) linked to it

If you haven’t linked Centrelink yet, allow extra time—this process can be fiddly and often requires identity verification in person.

You can also apply in person at a Centrelink service centre

5. What happens after you apply?

Centrelink may take several weeks to assess your claim. If anything is missing, they’ll contact you—but this can also delay your payment start date. It pays to keep an eye on your myGov inbox for updates as often you will be asked for certain documents to be provided within a finite period of time.

If you’re rejected:

• You can appeal within 13 weeks
• If your appeal is unsuccessful, you can reapply at any time if your situation changes
• Payments are not backdated to your original application unless your appeal is successful, so don’t wait too long

Bonus: Could you qualify for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC)? 

If you don’t meet the Age Pension tests—especially the assets test—you may still qualify for the CSHC. This card offers discounts on prescription medicine, medical services, and some state-based concessions. It’s income-tested only, making it a valuable alternative for self-funded retirees. You can read more about this handy card here.

Final tip: You don’t have to go it alone

The Age Pension application process is one of the most complex steps retirees face. But you don’t have to do it by yourself.

At Retirement Essentials, experienced  Age Pension specialists are ready to support your needs. Whether you need assistance with Centrelink entitlements, advice on your unique circumstances, or just want clarity on the application process, we’re ready to guide you.

A 30 minute consultation will give you the confidence you need to move forward with your Age Pension application.

How was your experience?

What was your Age Pension or CSHC application process like?

Do you have any tips or insights that might help others prepare?