Age Pension When Only One Partner Qualifies

One of the most common questions I get is, "If I'm part of a couple and only one of us is eligible for the Age Pension, how does it work?"

It's a situation that can be confusing. This guide will explain exactly how Centrelink assesses you, the key complications to watch out for, and a powerful strategy that could help you maximise your payment.

How Centrelink Assesses You as a Couple

To be eligible for the Age Pension, you must meet three key criteria: the age requirement, the residency requirement, and the means test.

If you're part of a couple and only one of you meets the age and residency requirements, Centrelink will still assess both partners' finances as a combined unit to determine the eligible person's payment.

How Much Will the Eligible Partner Receive?

From 20th March 2025 to 19th September 2025, the maximum a partnered pensioner can get is $866.10 per fortnight.

This is exactly half of the full couple's rate that would apply if both partners were eligible. It's also noticeably less than the single rate of $1,149 per fortnight. This payment includes the basic rate, the pension supplement, and the energy supplement.

What About the Pensioner Concession Card?

If one person in a couple is receiving even $1 of Age Pension, that person will automatically get a Pensioner Concession Card. This card gives them access to a range of valuable discounts on things like healthcare, medicines, and transport.

The cardholder’s partner is generally listed on the card and can also access Commonwealth concessions, such as cheaper prescription medications through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). However, eligibility for other state and territory government concessions is at the discretion of the individual organisation, so a partner may not always be eligible for the same discounts.

How is Rent Assistance Calculated?

If you are renting privately, you may be eligible for Rent Assistance. For couples, Centrelink uses the total rent paid to work out the payment.

• The maximum fortnightly payment for a couple is $199.80.
• If only one partner is eligible for the Age Pension, they will receive half of the combined rate, which is $99.90 per fortnight.

How the Means Test Works for Couples

When it comes to means testing, it doesn't matter that only one person is eligible. Your combined income and assets are assessed under both the assets test and the income test. The test that results in the lower pension amount is the one that determines the eligible person's payment.

• Under the Assets Test: If you are a homeowner couple with combined assets below $481,500, the eligible partner will receive the full pension. For every $1,000 of combined assets above this threshold, the pension is reduced by $1.50 per fortnight.
• Under the Income Test: If your combined income is below $380 per fortnight, the eligible partner will receive the full pension. For every $1 of combined income over this amount, the pension is reduced by $0.25 per fortnight.

Key Complications to Be Aware Of

• Your Partner's Finances Matter: The eligible partner's income and assets count just as much as yours, which can reduce or even cancel out the pension.
• Full Financial Disclosure is Required: Centrelink requires full financial details from both partners, which can cause tension for couples who keep their finances separate. I have seen some people abandon their application because their partner wouldn't share the required information.
• Relationship Status is Critical: Centrelink considers you a member of a couple if you are married, in a registered relationship, or in a de facto relationship. You can't simply claim you are single to qualify for a higher pension rate if your situation says otherwise.

The Big Planning Opportunity: The Super "Age Gap" Strategy

Here is a powerful strategy for couples where one partner is under the Age Pension age (currently 67).

The Rule: Superannuation held in an accumulation account by someone under Age Pension age is not counted under Centrelink's assets or income test.

This rule provides a highly effective and legitimate way to "hide" money from Centrelink and potentially boost the eligible partner's Age Pension payment. There are a number of ways to move assets into the super accumulation account of a younger spouse under 67, including:

• Concessional and non-concessional contributions.
• Spouse contributions and contribution splitting.
• Withdrawal and re-contribution strategies.

It's important to remember that of the three main types of super accounts (accumulation, Transition to Retirement, and account-based pension), only the super accumulation account held by someone under 67 is excluded from Centrelink’s assessment. Once the younger spouse reaches 67, their accumulation account becomes assessable.