What is the Age Pension in Australia?

The Age Pension is a fortnightly payment from the Australian Government (Services Australia / Centrelink) for people who have reached pension age (currently 67), meet residency requirements, and pass the income and assets tests. The maximum rate as of March 2025 is $1,144.40 per fortnight for singles and $862.60 each for couples.

What can I do if my Age Pension application is denied?

If your Age Pension is denied, you have the right to appeal. The process is: (1) Request an internal review from Services Australia within 13 weeks of the decision. (2) If still denied, lodge an application with the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) Level 1 within 28 days. (3) If still denied, escalate to ART Level 2. (4) As a last resort, appeal to the Federal Court. Free help is available from the Welfare Rights Centre (1800 226 028).

How long does a Centrelink Age Pension application take?

Services Australia aims to process Age Pension applications within 49 days. If your application has not been decided within 13 weeks, it is deemed refused under Section 110 of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999, and you can appeal immediately to the Administrative Review Tribunal.

What are the current Age Pension deeming rates?

As of March 2025, the deeming rates are 0.25% on the first $62,600 of financial assets for singles ($103,800 for couples), and 2.25% on amounts above that threshold. Deeming rates are updated every March and September — always verify the current rates at servicesaustralia.gov.au.

Is this website affiliated with Centrelink or the Australian Government?

No. Australia Pension Community (auspension.org) is an independent peer support community and is not affiliated with Services Australia, Centrelink, or any Australian government agency. For official pension management, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au or call 132 300.

rights6 min read19 April 2026

Are You Being Underpaid? How to Check Your Centrelink Pension and Claim Back-Payments

Thousands of Australian seniors are receiving less pension than they are entitled to. Here is how to check whether you are being underpaid and what to do about it.

Australia Pension Community

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Pension rules change every March and September. Always verify current rates and thresholds at servicesaustralia.gov.au

The Scale of the Problem

In 2023, the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) found that Centrelink had underpaid hundreds of thousands of pensioners over many years — in some cases by tens of thousands of dollars. The errors were caused by incorrect application of the assets test, deeming rates, and residency rules.

If you have been receiving the Age Pension for several years, it is worth checking whether you have been paid correctly.

Common Reasons for Underpayment

**Incorrect deeming rate applied** — particularly for pensioners who held term deposits during periods when deeming rates were higher than actual returns
**Assets test errors** — home contents, vehicles, or superannuation valued incorrectly
**Residency periods miscalculated** — particularly for migrants and returning Australians
**Relationship status not updated** — widows and separated pensioners sometimes remain on couple rates
**Carer or disability supplement not applied** — if you have a medical condition that affects your capacity to work

How to Check If You Are Being Underpaid

Step 1: Get your payment history

Log into your myGov account, go to Centrelink, and download your payment history for the past 5 years. Note any periods where your payment changed significantly without explanation.

Step 2: Check your income and assets assessment

In your myGov account, look at your current income and assets assessment. Check that:

All your financial assets are listed correctly
The deeming rates applied match the official rates for each period
Your home is listed as exempt
Your relationship status is correct

Step 3: Request a Statement of Reasons

If something looks wrong, call Centrelink on **132 300** and ask for a **Statement of Reasons** for any decision that affected your payment. They must provide this within 28 days.

What to Do If You Find an Error

If you believe you have been underpaid:

1. **Write to Centrelink** explaining the error and the period affected

2. **Request a formal review** by an Authorised Review Officer (ARO)

3. **Contact the Welfare Rights Centre** (1800 226 028) for free advocacy support

4. **Keep records** of all correspondence

Centrelink can pay back-payments going back **up to 52 weeks** in most cases. In cases of administrative error, they may go further.

The ANAO Report

The 2023 ANAO report recommended that Services Australia conduct a proactive review of all pensioners who may have been affected by systemic errors. If you believe you were affected, you can write to Services Australia directly referencing the ANAO report and requesting a review of your payment history.

Free Help

**Welfare Rights Centre**: 1800 226 028
**Financial Information Service**: 132 300 (free, independent)
**Seniors Rights Victoria / NSW / QLD**: free legal advice for seniors

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Community guidelines: Share your experiences and questions respectfully. Do not post personal details like CRN, TFN, or bank account numbers. For urgent pension help, call Welfare Rights on 1800 226 028.

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