Retirement · Age Pension · Brisbane
Age Pension and Centrelink advice in Brisbane
Many Australians receive some Age Pension in retirement, and how you hold your money can change how much you get. FinForce helps retirees and people approaching retirement in Brisbane and across Australia understand the Services Australia rules and plan around them, from Level 7, 190 Edward Street. FinForce advisers are authorised representatives of Financial Force Pty Ltd, AFSL 238337 (FinForce is Corporate Authorised Representative 001241242).
The basics
How the Age Pension is worked out.
- Age: Age Pension age is 67, and residence rules apply.
- Two tests: Services Australia applies an assets test and an income test and pays the lower result.
- Your home is not counted under the assets test, but the asset limits are higher for non-homeowners.
- Deeming: financial assets such as bank accounts, shares and super in pension phase are deemed to earn a set rate, whatever they actually earn.
- Super: super in accumulation is not counted until you reach Age Pension age; a younger partner’s accumulation super is not counted until they do.
Estimate your own figures with our Age Pension calculator (Services Australia rates from 20 September 2026), and read Age Pension basics.
Planning points
Decisions that can change your pension.
- Gifting: you can give away up to $10,000 a financial year, and no more than $30,000 over five financial years, without it counting as an asset; amounts above that are counted for five years.
- Home improvements and downsizing: money spent on your home is no longer an assessable asset, while proceeds from selling a home can be counted. A downsizer contribution to super may suit some people, but it can be counted once you are Age Pension age.
- Working in retirement: the Work Bonus means the first $300 a fortnight of work income isn’t counted under the income test. See how much you can earn with our Work Bonus calculator.
- Couples of different ages: the order in which super is drawn and contributions are made can matter.
- Home Equity Access Scheme: a Government loan secured against your home that tops up income. Model it with our HEAS calculator before deciding.
How we help
Advice joined up with your whole retirement plan.
Centrelink rules interact with tax, super and estate planning, so we look at them together: how much income you need, which assets to draw first, whether to keep money inside or outside super, and what happens if one partner needs aged care or passes away. Services Australia decides your actual entitlement; we help you understand the rules and organise your affairs. Every fee is set out in writing before you commit. See how our fees work.
General information only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and our Financial Services Guide, and get personal advice before acting.
Common questions
What is Age Pension age?
67. You also need to meet residence rules, and the income and assets tests decide how much you receive.
Is my home counted for the Age Pension?
Your principal home is not counted under the assets test. Non-homeowners have higher asset limits instead.
How much can I gift without affecting my Age Pension?
Up to $10,000 a financial year, and no more than $30,000 over five financial years. Gifts above those limits are counted as an asset for five years.
Can a financial adviser apply for the Age Pension for me?
You apply through Services Australia yourself (or with a nominee). We help you understand the rules, gather the information and plan how your assets and income are held before and after you apply.
Next step
Talk to our team on Edward Street.
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