🕰️ When Should I Access the Age Pension? A 10-Step Checklist
- Norma Falconer
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
Deciding when to access the Age Pension is a key part of retirement planning in Australia.
With eligibility depending on your age, residency, income, and assets, it’s important to understand the rules and prepare early to avoid delays or missed entitlements.
To help you manage this process, we’ve created a 10-step checklist that covers everything from eligibility criteria and application timing to supporting documents and alternative options.
This guide draws on trusted sources like Services Australia, myGov, and the ATO to ensure you’re making informed decisions.
Whether you’re approaching age 67 or planning ahead, this checklist will help you understand your entitlements and take the right steps at the right time.
✅ 1. Know the Age Pension Age
You must be 67 years or older to qualify for the Age Pension[1].
✅ 2. Check Residency Requirements
You must be an Australian resident and have lived in Australia for at least 10 years, with at least 5 years continuously [1].
✅ 3. Understand the Income Test
Your income (from work, investments, super, etc.) affects how much Age Pension you receive. The income test determines eligibility and payment amount [1].
✅ 4. Understand the Assets Test
Your assets (property, savings, vehicles, etc.) also affect your eligibility and payment amount. The assets test is separate from the income test[1].
✅ 5. Apply Early
You can apply up to 13 weeks before turning 67. This ensures payments start as soon as you're eligible[2].
✅ 6. Prepare Supporting Documents
You’ll need documents like:
Proof of identity
Income and assets details
Bank statements
Superannuation information [2]
✅ 7. Consider Partner Claims
If you and your partner are both eligible, you may submit a combined partner claim online [2].
✅ 8. Explore Alternatives if Ineligible
If you don’t qualify, you may be eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, which offers concessions on medicines and services [1].
✅ 9. Use Online Tools
Use calculators to estimate when you can access the Age Pension and how much you might receive.
might receive.
✅ Seek Professional Advice and ask when should I access the Age Pension
Talk to your super fund, a financial adviser, or use Services Australia’s Financial Information Service (FIS) for free guidance.
References
📅 Need Help Accessing the Age Pension?
Understanding when and how to access the Age Pension can be complex - but you don’t have to do it alone.
👉 Book a retirement planning appointment today to get personalised advice tailored to your age, income, assets, and goals.
Let’s make sure you get the support you’re entitled to - on time and with confidence.
🔗 Schedule your appointment now using the link below
At Think Capital Advice, we believe in empowering our clients with tailored financial strategies to achieve their goals. Curious to know more about who we are?
Visit our About Us page and learn how we’re committed to delivering prudent advice, practical solutions, and progressive results.
Norma Falconer is a Business Owner, Entrepreneur, Financial Planner, Portfolio and Invesment Manager, Personal Insurance Specialist and Estate Planner, in Australia, known for her prudent advice, practical solutions, and progressive results.
As the Founder of Think Capital Advice, Norma combines deep technical expertise with a compassionate, personalised and client-centric approach. Norma specialises in guiding high-income-earning business owners, professionals, and their families toward achieving their version of financial independence. Her dedication to excellence is matched by a commitment to making complex financial concepts accessible and actionable for her clients.
She is Professionally Licensed, FASEA-accredited, a Tax (Financial) Adviser, and holds multiple qualifications, including a Post-Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning and certifications in results coaching. Beyond her professional achievements, Norma is an advocate for community empowerment and has served on various boards, including the Cansa Association and Business Women’s Association. She is also a best-selling author, recognised speaker, and media contributor, sharing insights that simplify the path to financial independence.
Leveraging over 36 years of working with high-net wealth families, the team at Think Capital Advice excel in working with you to improve financial stability through maximising cashflow, growing wealth, utilising tax-effective strategies, and ensuring that your legacy is protected. Learn more at Think Capital Advice
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