Rita and her friends believe that they are affected by the increase in the eligibility age for the Age Pension, but they aren’t sure when they will be able to make a claim.
Q. Rita
I know that you have previously printed a table that detailed the increases of the Age Pension eligibility age. My friends and I were all born after June 1952, so we believe we fall into the category of people affected by the change. Are you able to republish the information?
A. You’re correct. As of 1 July 2017, the eligibility age for claiming an Age Pension has started to increase. If you’re not already eligible, how much longer will you have to wait to apply?
The good news is that the increase is gradual, affecting those born on or after 1 July 1952. Announced as part of the then-Labor government’s sustainable pension reforms in 2009, the Age Pension will be increased to 67 years of age at a rate of six months every two years, as indicated in the able below:
Date |
Age Pension age |
Born between |
From 1 July 2017 |
65.5 |
From 1 July 1952 to 31 December 1953 |
From 1 July 2019 |
66 |
From 1 January 1954 to 30 June 1955 |
From 1 July 2021 |
66.5 |
From 1 July 1955 to 31 December 1956 |
From 1 July 2023 |
67 |
On or after 1 January 1957 |
Related articles:
Age Pension age changes
Payments under Age Pension
Should you have to work until 70?