The Australian Government has officially increased the Age Pension payments starting from 20 March 2025, offering much-needed relief to seniors amid rising living costs.
This boost is part of the government’s routine indexation to keep pension payments aligned with inflation and wage growth.
New Age Pension Rates from April 2025
Here are the updated fortnightly and annual pension amounts for eligible individuals:
| Recipient Type | Fortnightly Rate | Annual Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Single Pensioner | $1,149.00 | $29,874.00 |
| Each in a Couple (Combined: $1,732.20) | $866.10 | $22,519.00 |
| Couple Separated Due to Illness (Each) | $1,149.00 | $29,874.00 |
These rates include the base pension, pension supplement, and energy supplement.
Eligibility Criteria for the Age Pension
To receive the Age Pension, you must meet the following criteria:
1. Age Requirement
- You must be 67 years or older from July 2023 onward.
2. Residency Requirement
- You must be an Australian resident and have lived in Australia for at least 10 years, including 5 years continuously.
3. Income Test
- Single: Must earn less than $212 per fortnight to receive the full pension. Partial pension eligibility continues up to $2,510 per fortnight.
- Couple (combined): Must earn less than $372 per fortnight for the full pension. Partial eligibility goes up to $3,836.40 per fortnight.
4. Assets Test
- Single homeowner: Assets must be below $314,000 for full pension and below $697,000 for a part pension.
- Couple homeowners: Combined assets must be below $470,000 for full pension and below $1,047,500 for part pension.
One-Time Bonus Payment for Seniors
In addition to the regular increase, a one-time bonus payment of $1,900 will also be deposited in April 2025 for eligible Age Pension recipients.
This extra support is intended to help with seasonal costs like energy bills and medical expenses. No action is required – the amount will be automatically transferred into your bank account.
Payment Schedule: What You Should Know
Payments are made every fortnight. In April 2025, the following public holidays may slightly alter payment schedules:
- Good Friday – 18 April 2025
- Easter Monday – 21 April 2025
- ANZAC Day – 25 April 2025
Payments due on these dates will likely be made earlier than usual, so keep an eye on your bank account.
How to Apply for the Age Pension
If you’re newly eligible, here’s how to apply:
- Check Your Eligibility using the government tool.
- Gather Documents like photo ID, bank details, and proof of residency.
- Create a myGov Account and link it to Centrelink.
- Submit Your Application Online.
- Track Your Status and respond to any requests for more information.
The April 2025 Age Pension increase is a timely and meaningful boost for Australian seniors. With updated rates and a generous bonus payment, retirees can breathe a little easier knowing their income better matches today’s financial demands.
If you meet the criteria, there’s no action needed—just be sure your Centrelink information is up to date so you don’t miss out.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for the Age Pension increase separately?
No. If you’re already receiving the Age Pension, the increase and bonus payment will be applied automatically.
Can I still qualify if I own a home?
Yes. However, the value of your home is excluded, but other assets will still count toward the assets test.
Will this payment affect my tax obligations?
The Age Pension and the one-time bonus payment are tax-free and will not impact your tax return.