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.

appeals7 min read19 April 2026

How to Appeal a Centrelink Age Pension Decision

If Centrelink has reduced, suspended, or rejected your Age Pension, you have the right to appeal. This step-by-step guide explains exactly what to do and when.

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

Your Right to Appeal

If Centrelink has made a decision about your Age Pension that you believe is wrong, you have a legal right to challenge it. The appeals process has several stages, and many seniors successfully overturn decisions — often at the first stage, without needing a lawyer.

This guide walks you through every step.

Step 1: Request an Explanation

Before formally appealing, call Centrelink on **132 300** and ask them to explain the decision in detail. Ask specifically:

What rule or section of the Social Security Act applies?
What information did they use to make the decision?
Was any information missing from your file?

Sometimes decisions are reversed at this stage simply because Centrelink had incorrect or incomplete information.

Step 2: Request an Authorised Review Officer (ARO) Review

If the explanation does not resolve the issue, your first formal appeal is to an **Authorised Review Officer (ARO)** — an independent Centrelink officer who was not involved in the original decision.

You must request this within 13 weeks of the original decision.

"I would like to request a review of my decision by an Authorised Review Officer. My reference number is [your CRN]. The decision I am appealing is [describe the decision and the date]."

You can make this request:

By phone: 132 300
In writing: at any Centrelink service centre
Online: via your myGov account

Step 3: Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) — Tier 1

If the ARO upholds the original decision, you can escalate to the **Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) — Social Services and Child Support Division**.

You must apply within 28 days of the ARO decision.

The AAT is independent of Centrelink. A tribunal member will review all the evidence and can overturn the decision. The process is informal — you do not need a lawyer, though one can help.

Apply online at: aat.gov.au or call 1800 228 333

Step 4: AAT — Tier 2 (General Division)

If the Tier 1 AAT decision goes against you, you can appeal to the **AAT General Division** for a full merits review.

At this stage, legal representation is strongly recommended. Contact your local **Legal Aid** or **Community Legal Centre** for free advice.

Step 5: Federal Court

The final avenue is the **Federal Court of Australia**, but only on a question of law — not on the facts of your case. This stage requires a lawyer.

Key Tips for a Successful Appeal

**Keep every letter and document** Centrelink sends you
**Write down dates and names** of everyone you speak to at Centrelink
**Get a Welfare Rights advocate** — they are free and very effective. Call 1800 226 028
**Do not miss deadlines** — 13 weeks for ARO, 28 days for AAT
**Ask for a stay of the decision** if the payment reduction is causing hardship

Free Help Is Available

You do not have to navigate this alone. The following services are free:

**Welfare Rights Centre**: 1800 226 028
**Financial Information Service (FIS)**: 132 300
**Legal Aid** in your state
**Community Legal Centres** — find yours at clcs.org.au

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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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