Try it with your numbers: Work Bonus calculator: how much can I earn and keep my full Age Pension?

Couples are assessed together, but the Work Bonus isn’t

For couples, Services Australia adds both partners’ assessed income together and applies one combined income threshold of $396 a fortnight (from 20 September 2026). Above that, each partner’s pension reduces by 25 cents for every dollar of combined income, or 50 cents combined.

The Work Bonus works differently. Each partner who is of Age Pension age and getting a pension has their own $300 a fortnight Work Bonus and their own balance, and it can only reduce their own earnings. After each partner’s Work Bonus is applied, what’s left is combined for the income test.

Why who works can matter

Take a couple who both get the Age Pension, own their home and have $60,000 in the bank (deemed income of $40.38 a fortnight). They have no Work Bonus balances.

  • John works and earns $800 a fortnight; Mary doesn’t work. John’s Work Bonus takes off $300, leaving $500 assessed. Combined assessed income is $540.38, which is $144.38 over the $396 income threshold. Their pensions fall by $72.19 a fortnight in total, to about $1,793.81 combined. Mary’s unused Work Bonus can’t be used against John’s wages.
  • They both work and earn $400 each ($800 in total). Each Work Bonus takes off $300, leaving $200 assessed between them. Combined income is $240.38, under the income threshold, so their pensions don’t change at all.

Same household earnings, about $72 a fortnight difference in pension. That’s not a reason to change jobs, but if you both enjoy some work, it helps to know.

How much can a couple earn?

With no other income and no assets test reduction, a couple can earn $996 a fortnight combined if both work ($300 + $300 + $396), or $696 if only one works. Deemed income and other income use up the $396 first.

If your partner isn’t on the Age Pension

The Work Bonus only applies to pensioners of Age Pension age. If your partner is younger, or gets a different payment, their wages don’t get the Work Bonus and are counted in your combined income. Payments such as JobSeeker have their own rules, so get personal advice in that situation.

Don’t forget the assets test

Many couples are paid under the assets test rather than the income test. If that’s you, extra earnings often make no difference until they push the income test result below the assets test result. The Work Bonus calculator shows you which test applies.

Quick answers

Can my partner use my Work Bonus?

No. Each pensioner’s Work Bonus and balance can only offset their own employment income. After it is applied, both partners’ remaining income is combined for the income test.

What is the couple income threshold for the Age Pension?

$396 a fortnight combined from 20 September 2026. Above that, each partner’s pension reduces by 25 cents for each dollar of combined income.

How much can a couple earn on the Age Pension in 2026?

With no other income and no assets test reduction, $996 a fortnight combined if both partners work, or $696 if only one works.

Sources

Figures checked on 27 October 2026. Age Pension rates and thresholds are indexed during the year, so check current figures.

General advice warning. This article is general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Examples are illustrations, not predictions or guarantees, and Services Australia decides your actual entitlement. Rules and thresholds change; check the sources above. Consider our Financial Services Guide and seek personal advice before acting. FinForce is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 001241242) of Financial Force Pty Ltd, ABN 42 091 425 464, AFSL 238337.

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