Maeve is about to reach Age Pension eligibility age, although her partner is a few years younger. She would like to know if this will stop her from being able to make a claim.
Q. Maeve
As a woman about to retire, can I receive the Age Pension before my younger partner is eligible for his Age Pension?
A. You can claim an Age Pension before your partner reaches Age Pension age. As you are in a relationship, you will be assessed as part of a couple and therefore his income and assets will be used to determine your eligibility and payment. View the current income and asset thresholds.
If you are eligible to receive a payment, you will also be paid the couple rate of Age Pension for one eligible member. View the current Age Pension payment rates.
You can apply for an Age Pension 13 weeks prior to your pension eligibility birthday and the sooner you make the claim, the sooner you will receive your first payment. Even if you don’t have all the documentation you need at hand, you should still commence the claim. Centrelink will advise what additional information and documentation is required.
To find out more about your eligibility, contact Human Services direct on 13 2300.
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