Carol is still a few years away from reaching Age Pension age but is concerned that, due to her younger partner’s income and assets, she will not qualify. This is what she needs to know.
Q. Carol
I just want to know whether I will be entitled to full Age Pension, and if so, at what age. I’ve just turned 59 years old, do not own my own home (I rent) and have little savings. I have a partner who is actually eight years younger than me and we life in a defacto relationship, having done so for many years now. Would this affect my claim for an Age Pension, considering my partner is not going to reach retirement age the same time as me?
I do have some super but not very much and I’m concerned about how I’m going to be able to support myself once I retire. The only assets I own are my car, furniture and household goods.
A. Firstly, you will be able to claim an Age Pension at the age of 66 years and 6 months, but you can confirm this by checking our Age Pension qualifying age table.
In regards to whether or not you will receive an Age Pension at this time, this will depend on your income and assets, and those of your partner. As you live as part of a couple, you are assessed as such, regardless of the age of your partner. You can view the current income and asset levels by visiting our Income and asset tests page.
However, as it is still some years off before you can apply for an Age Pension, you should be aware that the rules and regulations may change. In fact, there is a major change to asset thresholds and the pension taper rate due to take effect from 1 January 2017. You can find out more by reading ‘Age Pension – asset threshold changes’.
You may also find our guide The Age Pension explained, useful. And, of course, you can make an appointment with a Centrelink Financial Information Services officer at any time to discuss your financial position as you plan for your retirement. You can make an appointment by calling 13 23 00 or find out more at Humanservices.gov.au.
