Question 1

What is the Age Pension in Australia?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 3

How long does a Centrelink Age Pension application take?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What are the current Age Pension deeming rates?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Is this website affiliated with Centrelink or the Australian Government?

Accepted Answer

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.

The Scale of the Problem

Cases by Appeal Stage

Denial Reasons

Cases by State