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Our team of financial experts help you navigate to and through retirement in this six-part series. See all stories.<\/a><\/p>\n It seems like a no-brainer: you want to receive as much age pension as possible. However, because people find the process intimidating or aren\u2019t aware of what\u2019s available, many are missing out on their full entitlement.<\/p>\n \u201cThe age pension is rarely all or nothing,\u201d says Kate Rolfe, retirement experience lead at Aware Super. \u201cFor many Australians, it works alongside super and savings \u2013 and timing matters,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n \u201cStarting early, using reliable information, and getting help when needed can make the difference between receiving what you\u2019re entitled to and missing out – sometimes by tens of thousands of dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n Here are six steps to work through when the age pension is on the horizon.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t sit on that application<\/p>\n One of the biggest must-dos when it comes to the age pension is straightforward: get stuck into the application. And do it early.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can apply up to 13 weeks before you turn 67,\u201d says Corey Irlam, acting CEO of the Council on the Ageing (COTA). \u201cGetting in early matters; it reduces delays and protects your payment from the earliest date you\u2019re eligible.\u201d<\/p>\n Don\u2019t fear the tests<\/p>\n There\u2019s a widespread reason people feel hesitant to undertake the required means and asset testing for the age pension, says Rolfe.<\/p>\n \u201cA common misunderstanding is thinking your family home is included \u2013 it isn\u2019t,\u201d she says. \u201cThat single point often relieves a lot of anxiety.\u201d<\/p>\n Related Article Having a clear view of your financial position will give you peace of mind when receiving the age pension and make the process much smoother.<\/p>\n \u201cThe tests aren\u2019t designed to catch people out,\u201d she adds. \u201cThey\u2019re simply how Centrelink works out eligibility and payment levels.\u201d<\/p>\n The good news on this front is that last year the Federal Government raised the thresholds for these tests, which means that more Australians may be eligible for the full pension or a higher rate of part pension.<\/p>\n Know the rules if you\u2019re a couple<\/p>\n We\u2019re long past the days when Facebook was interested in your relationship status, but Centrelink is still very keen to know, even if only one person gets the pension. \u201cGetting this right upfront helps avoid corrections later,\u201d says Rolfe.<\/p>\n \u201cCouples\u2019 income and assets are assessed differently to singles,\u201d adds Irlam. \u201cAnd some people [who are] separated but still living together aren\u2019t considered a couple at all under Centrelink rules, which can make a real difference to what they receive.\u201d<\/p>\n Understand your income<\/p>\n To avoid any nasty surprises, it\u2019s good to make sure you have proper clarity over your tax situation when it comes to the age pension.<\/p>\n \u201cThe age pension counts as taxable income, but many recipients don\u2019t actually pay tax due to offsets like the Seniors and Pensioners Tax Offset,\u201d says Rolfe.<\/p>\n Related Article \u201cThis is a tax rebate provided by the Australian Government to eligible older Australians. Put simply, it allows those eligible to earn more income before they start paying income tax.\u201d<\/p>\n Take advantage of available help<\/p>\n You don\u2019t have to work through all of this alone. \u201cMany people don\u2019t realise how much help is available,\u201d says Rolfe. \u201cThe primary source is Services Australia<\/a>, which provides information, calculators and direct support.\u201d<\/p>\n Irlam recommends Centrelink as another good port of call. \u201cNavigating this all can be quite complex, but Centrelink\u2019s Financial Information Service<\/a> is free and often underused, as they can help explain rules and direct people to the right resources.\u201d<\/p>\n And many super funds, like Aware, offer online calculators and tools<\/a> that can be very handy as well. \u201cThese tools are designed to support people alongside official government services, not replace them,\u201d Rolfe says.<\/p>\n Advice given in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers\u2019 decisions about investing or financial products. They should always seek their own professional advice that takes into account their own personal circumstances before making any financial decisions.<\/p>\n Expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money delivered to your inbox every Sunday. Sign up for our Real Money newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n Save<\/p>\n You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n![\"Navigating](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2c624dfd1335d3dd71f7b87c3ea1abbde20875e02713b92b4f597df3f25d6d9e.jpeg\")
Navigating the age pension can be complex but support is readily available.iStock<\/p>\n![\"Consider](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/85ab756a4d011bf452743567188a9bec76f6f89be3290aef7d6efdb8859cfcde.jpeg\")
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