Can I get the Age Pension at 55?

No, at 55 you cannot receive the Age Pension. The qualifying age is 67, so you need to wait 12 more years. In the meantime, you may be eligible for JobSeeker Payment or other Centrelink payments.

How much pension will I get at 55?

At 55, you are not eligible for the Age Pension. The pension age in Australia is 67. You will need to wait 12 more years before you can apply.

What is the pension age in Australia?

The Age Pension qualifying age in Australia is 67 years old. This applies to anyone born on or after 1 January 1957. You must also be an Australian resident and have lived in Australia for at least 10 years, with at least 5 years in one continuous period.

Can I work and get the pension at 55?

At 55, you are not eligible for the Age Pension as the qualifying age is 67. However, if you receive JobSeeker Payment, you can earn up to $150 per fortnight before your payment is reduced.

Age Pension at 55 — Am I Eligible? How Much Will I Get?

At 55, you are 12 years away from the Age Pension qualifying age of 67. Find out what payments you can access now and how to prepare.

Last verified: 20 March 2026

NOT YET

You are not yet eligible for the Age Pension

You need to wait 12 more years until you turn 67 to apply for the Age Pension.

Payments You May Be Eligible For at 55

JobSeeker Payment

For people looking for work or with a temporary incapacity. Higher rate for over-55s who have been on payment 9+ months.

As you are over 55, you may qualify for the higher JobSeeker rate after 9 continuous months on payment.

Disability Support Pension

If you have a permanent physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that prevents you from working 15+ hours per week.

Carer Payment

If you provide constant care to someone with a severe disability or medical condition.

Parenting Payment

If you are the primary carer of a young child (under 8 for single, under 6 for partnered).

How to Prepare for the Age Pension

Superannuation Strategy

Your superannuation balance is counted as an asset under the assets test. It is also “deemed” to earn income under the income test at the deeming rates (currently 0.25% on the first $60,400 for singles, then 2.25% on the rest). Consider whether drawing down super before pension age could improve your pension entitlement.

Reduce Assessable Assets

Your family home is exempt from the assets test. Consider paying down your mortgage, making home improvements, or prepaying expenses. Gifting is limited to $10,000 per financial year ($30,000 over 5 years) before it counts as a deprived asset.

Downsizer Contribution

If you are 55 or older and sell your family home, you can contribute up to $300,000 each (per person) into superannuation as a “downsizer contribution.” This does not count towards your contribution caps. However, the super balance will be counted as an asset.

How Superannuation Affects the Age Pension

Superannuation is treated in two ways for the Age Pension means tests:

Assets Test

Your total super balance is counted as an assessable asset. Each $1,000 above the full pension threshold reduces your pension by $3.00 per fortnight.

Income Test (Deeming)

Your super balance (along with other financial assets) is “deemed” to earn income regardless of what it actually earns. The deeming rates are 0.25% on the first $60,400 (single) and 2.25% on the balance above that. This deemed income is assessed under the income test.

General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with Services Australia.

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