Australian Age Pension for New Zealanders (2026 Guide) by JJ Smith 28 March 2026 written by JJ Smith 28 March 2026 5.3K Can New Zealanders get the Australian Age Pension? Yes — New Zealanders living in Australia may be eligible for the Australian Age Pension, but the rules are slightly different from the NZ pension and those for Australian citizens. Eligibility depends on: your age how long you have lived in Australia and/or New Zealand your income your assets Australia and New Zealand have a social security agreement, which allows periods of residence in both countries to be counted when assessing eligibility. Because of this agreement, many New Zealanders who move to Australia later in life can qualify for an Australian pension, even if they haven’t lived in Australia for their entire working life. However, there are a few important rules and deadlines, especially if you are already receiving NZ Superannuation when you move. Quick Summary: Australian Age Pension for New Zealanders If you’re planning to move to Australia or have recently arrived, here are the key things to know. The Age Pension age is currently 67 You generally need 10 years of working-age residence (age 20–67) in Australia and/or NZ The pension is income and asset-tested If you already receive NZ Super, it usually continues for up to 26 weeks after leaving NZ During that time you should apply for the Australian Age Pension Editor Note: I highly recommend using an Age Pension calculator to get an estimate of how much pension you might receive, as this can affect when you should apply: If you’re eligible for the full Australian Age Pension: apply as soon as you arrive in Australia, as it is higher than the NZ Super. The maximum fortnightly rate for a single person in Australia is up to A$1,200.90 (after tax), while the gross weekly rate for a single person in New Zealand is approximately NZ$1,043.24. If you only qualify for a partial Australian Age Pension, it can sometimes make sense to delay applying until closer to the end of the 26-week period when NZ Super stops. This helps avoid overlapping payments that could later need to be repaid. NZ Super rates change each year in April, where the Australia Age Pension updates twice a year (20 March and 20 September). In this post, you will find helpful information on: What to do before leaving New Zealand What to do after arriving in Australia What you need to do within 26 weeks of leaving New Zealand At what age can you receive the Australian Age Pension? Residency requirements for New Zealanders How to apply for the Australian Age Pension Australian Age Pension Payment Rates Age Pension income test Age Pension asset test How homeownership affects the pension Age Pension calculator Working after pension age Disability Support Pension for New Zealanders Can you receive NZ Super and the Australian Age Pension? How NZ Super and Australian Age Pension Compare Common Mistakes New Zealanders Make with Pensions Real-Life Example Scenarios for Kiwis Moving to Australia Transferring your KiwiSaver to Australia Keeping Centrelink up to date Where to get help and advice What to do before leaving New Zealand If you are receiving NZ Superannuation, Veteran’s Pension, or another long-term payment, there are a few things you should do before moving. 1. Notify Work and Income Advise Work and Income that you plan to move to Australia. 2. Gather important documents Before leaving New Zealand, make sure you have copies of: Passport Birth certificate Marriage certificate (if applicable) Bank account details Tax file information Medical reports (if receiving Supported Living Payment) Having these ready will make the Australian application process much easier. 3. Check any overseas pension arrangements If you receive an overseas pension through New Zealand’s Special Banking Option, you may need to arrange for the overseas agency to pay you directly instead. For assistance, contact Senior Services International. What to do after arriving in Australia Once you arrive in Australia, you should begin preparing your Age Pension application through Centrelink. Depending on your situation, you may also need to apply for: Disability Support Pension Carer Payment These payments are available to New Zealand citizens living in Australia, including those on a Special Category Visa (SCV). Most New Zealanders automatically receive an SCV visa when entering Australia, which allows them to live and work there. What you need to do within 26 weeks of leaving New Zealand If you already receive New Zealand Superannuation or the Veteran’s Pension, there is an important rule to understand. You can usually continue receiving your New Zealand payments for up to 26 weeks after leaving New Zealand. This period gives you time to apply for the Australian Age Pension. When should you apply? The timing of your application can affect your payments. If you qualify for the full Australian Age Pension It often makes sense to apply soon after arriving in Australia, because the maximum Australian Age Pension is generally higher than NZ Superannuation. If you may qualify for a reduced Age Pension Some people choose to apply closer to the end of the 26-week period if they are still receiving NZ Superannuation. This can help avoid overlapping payments that might later need to be repaid. Because every situation is different, it is a good idea to contact Centrelink International Services before applying. What happens if you don’t apply within 26 weeks? If you do not apply for the Australian Age Pension within 26 weeks of leaving New Zealand, your New Zealand pension payments will normally stop. This is why it is important to start the application process early. At what age can you receive the Australian Age Pension? The Age Pension age in Australia is currently 67. However, the age depends on your date of birth. Date of birth Age Pension age 1 July 1952 – 31 Dec 1953 65 years 6 months 1 Jan 1954 – 30 June 1955 66 years 1 July 1955 – 31 Dec 1956 66 years 6 months 1 Jan 1957 onwards 67 years Residency requirements for New Zealanders To qualify for the Age Pension under the Australia–New Zealand Social Security Agreement, you must have: At least 10 years of working-age residence Working-age residence means time lived in Australia or New Zealand between age 20 and Age Pension age. These periods can be combined across both countries. How to apply for the Australian Age Pension The easiest way to apply is online through Centrelink. Step 1 — Set up your accounts You will need: a myGov account your Centrelink account linked to myGov You can set this up at: my.gov.au Step 2 — Prepare your documents You will need supporting documents that show: identity bank account details tax file number (TFN) relationship status income assets You can read more about the documents needed on the Services Australia supporting documents page, which provides examples of each. Step 3 — Submit your claim Online application steps: Sign in to myGov Select Make a claim Choose Older Australians Select Age Pension Follow the prompts You must submit the claim within 13 weeks of starting it. If you cannot apply online You can also: print the Age Pension claim form request help from Centrelink International Services Australian Age Pension Information Booklet Here is the Information you need to know about your claim for Age Pension and Pension Bonus (Ci006) (Information Booklet), so you can read through the questions and get a better understanding of what’s required. You can view, print and complete the Claim for Age Pension and Pension Bonus form here and the Income and Assets form. If you would like to speak with someone about applying, please call Canterlink International on 0800441248. Australian Age Pension Payment Rates The amount you receive depends on: your income your assets your relationship status All income and assets are taken into account, whether they are Australian-based or still in New Zealand. Rates are updated twice each year: 20 March 20 September Australia Age Pension rates (from 20 March 2026): Per fortnight Single Couple each Couple combined Couple apart due to ill health Maximum basic rate $1,100.30 $829.40 $1,658.80 $1,100.30 Maximum Pension Supplement $86.50 $65.20 $130.40 $86.50 Energy Supplement $14.10 $10.60 $21.20 $14.10 Total $1,200.90 $905.20 $1,810.40 $1,200.90 * Rates as per 20 March 2026. Check here for updated rates. There has been an increase of $22.20 per fortnight for singles and $16.70 per person for couples from 20 September 2025. Age Pension income test The Age Pension is income tested. If your income exceeds certain thresholds, your payment will be reduced. Income-free area Single: first $218 per fortnight is not counted Couples: first $380 combined per fortnight is not counted Above these limits, the pension reduces gradually. Age Pension asset test The Age Pension is also asset tested. Assets include: savings investments vehicles investment property superannuation income streams shares Asset limits for a full pension (example) Situation Homeowner Non-homeowner Single $321,500 $579,500 Couple $481,500 $739,500 Your main home is not counted as an asset. How homeownership affects the pension Your principal residence is exempt from the asset test. However, homeowners have lower asset limits than non-homeowners. Situations that may affect your pension include: selling your home downsizing granny-flat arrangements moving out of the home. Age Pension calculator The Age Pension Calculator on the SuperGuide website is simple and easy to use. Just enter your details in the yellow fields, and you’ll receive an estimate of the Age Pension you may be eligible for. Reminder: do not include the value of your home in your assets. If you haven’t yet sold your NZ home and purchased one in Australia, it will be difficult to get a completely accurate estimate, but still leave out your home to keep the calculation as accurate as possible. You’ll be asked to answer the following questions: Are you single or part of a couple? Do you own your own home? Value of your non-financial assets Value of your financial investments Your employment income (annually) Other income (annually) Try the Age Pension Calculator here: SuperGuide Age Pension calculator. Working after pension age You can still work while receiving the Age Pension. Australia offers a Work Bonus that allows pensioners to earn some income without reducing their pension. Work Bonus rules first $300 per fortnight from employment is not counted unused amounts accumulate in a Work Bonus income bank Maximum Work Bonus balance: $11,800 The amount accumulated in the income bank can be used to offset future income from work that would otherwise be assessable under the pension income test. The income bank amount is not time-limited; if unused, it carries forward, even across years. For more information, visit Work Bonus on the Australian Government Department of Social Services website. Disability Support Pension for New Zealanders Under the Australia–New Zealand Social Security Agreement, New Zealanders living in Australia may be able to apply for the Australian Disability Support Pension (DSP) if they have a severe disability and meet certain residency rules. To qualify for the Disability Support Pension under the agreement, you must meet three key requirements. 1. You must be considered “severely disabled” To qualify under the agreement, you must meet Australia’s definition of severe disability, which generally means: you have a physical, intellectual, or psychiatric condition that prevents you from working, and the condition is expected to last at least two years, and you are unable to benefit from employment support or rehabilitation programs, or you are permanently blind. Medical evidence from your doctor or specialist will be required when applying. 2. The disability must have occurred while living in Australia or New Zealand To qualify under the social security agreement, the severe disability must have occurred while you were a resident of either Australia or New Zealand. If the disability occurred while you were living in another country, you may not qualify under the agreement. 3. You must meet the residency requirements You must have: lived in Australia and/or New Zealand for at least 10 years, and usually lived in Australia for at least 12 months before applying. Periods of residence in both countries can be combined to help meet the 10-year requirement. Important note The Disability Support Pension is income and asset tested, similar to the Age Pension. This means your income, savings, investments, and other assets may affect how much you can receive. Where to get help If you think you may qualify for the Disability Support Pension, you can contact: Centrelink International Services New Zealand Phone: 0800 441 248 Australian Phone: 131 673 They can explain the eligibility rules and help you start the application process. Can you receive NZ Super and the Australian Age Pension? Once your applications are processed, you may receive payments from both New Zealand and Australia, e.g., your payment may consist of a NZ Superannuation payment and an Australian Age Pension payment. However, the total amount you receive is generally limited to what an Australian resident would receive. Because of this, the final payment may include: a component from New Zealand a component from Australia How NZ Super and Australian Age Pension Compare Many Kiwis wonder how their NZ Superannuation compares with the Australian Age Pension. Here’s a quick comparison to make it easier to plan your move. Status NZ Super Australian Age Pension Difference Single NZ$1,043.24/week A$1,200.90/fortnight +A$146.56/week* Couple (each) NZ$803/week A$905.20/fortnight +A$93.85/week* * As at 20 March 2026. ** Based on current exchange rates and the maximum Australian Age Pension. Exact amounts will vary depending on income, assets, and living arrangements. Key points to note: The Australian Age Pension is generally higher than NZ Super for most Kiwis. Payments include additional supplements like Energy Supplement and Pension Supplement. Exchange rates can affect your NZ$ equivalent, so it’s good to check your fortnightly payments after conversion. If eligible for the full Australian Age Pension, it usually makes sense to apply soon after arrival in Australia. This section helps you understand how much more (or less) you could receive in Australia compared to staying in New Zealand. Common Mistakes New Zealanders Make with Pensions Moving to Australia and applying for the Age Pension can be confusing, and many Kiwis make simple mistakes that could cost them time or money. Here are the top ones to avoid: Mistake Why it matters Waiting too long to apply for the Australian Age Pension NZ Super payments stop after 26 weeks if you don’t apply Assuming NZ Super continues automatically You must submit an application to continue receiving payments in Australia Not reporting income or assets to Centrelink Could result in overpayment and needing to repay later Overlooking your partner’s eligibility Could reduce or increase your combined pension Not using the Work Bonus If you’re still working part-time, you could be missing out on extra pension payments Pro tip: Keep a checklist and gather all your documents early. It will save you a lot of stress and ensures you get the full pension you’re entitled to. Real-Life Example Scenarios for Kiwis Moving to Australia Sometimes it helps to see how the rules apply in real life. Here are a few examples based on common situations: Example 1: Single retiree moving at 67 NZ Super: NZ$1,043/week Australian Age Pension: A$1,200.90/fortnight Outcome: Receives a combination of NZ Super and Australian Age Pension for the first 26 weeks, then full Australian pension. Result: slightly higher income than staying in NZ. Example 2: Couple with significant assets Total assets exceed the maximum for a full pension They may only receive a partial Age Pension Outcome: Selling or downsizing a home, or restructuring assets, can increase the pension entitlement. Example 3: Working retiree over pension age Works part-time while receiving the Age Pension Outcome: The Work Bonus allows the first $300 per fortnight of employment income to be excluded from the income test. Any unused amount accumulates in a Work Bonus “bank” (up to $11,800), which can be used to offset future income assessments. These examples make it easier to see how your own situation might work and why it’s worth getting advice early. Transferring your KiwiSaver to Australia If you move permanently to Australia, you may wish to transfer your KiwiSaver to an Australian superannuation fund. This is optional. Steps include: Choose an Australian super fund Join the fund Complete the KiwiSaver transfer form Arrange the transfer through your provider For more information, read my Australian Super or KiwiSaver for your Home Deposit posts. Keeping Centrelink up to date Once you receive a pension, you must inform Centrelink if: your income changes your assets change you travel overseas you receive an inheritance or a large financial gift Keeping your details up to date helps avoid overpayments or repayment obligations. Where to get help and advice Several organisations offer free help with retirement planning. Helpful resources include: Financial Information Service (FIS) MoneySmart National Debt Helpline For aged care information in Australia, visit: My Aged Care. Still have questions about the Australian Age Pension? If you want more detailed information about: applying for pensions what happens if your partner is under pension age Disability Support Pension eligibility receiving NZ benefits in Australia Visit: Work and Income – Social Security Agreement with Australia. You might be interested in… The posts below might interest you: Moving money to Australia (keep more of your money) Buying a house in Australia Medicare Australia Still, got unanswered questions? If you’ve read the above content and the answer to your question isn’t there, please write a comment below and I’ll research the answer for you. Can I help you find something else? If you need advice on moving to Australia from New Zealand, I’ve created a helpful little questionnaire to point you in the right direction. It takes less than 30 seconds, so give it a go! Moving money to Australia from New Zealand 144 comments FacebookPinterest JJ Smith previous post Schools in Australia next post Costs of medication and operations in Australia You may also like The Land of OZ, Consumer Mag 3 March 2026 Documentation needed when moving to Australia 11 April 2025 A better life across the ditch (updated 2025) 3 March 2026 Open an Australian Bank Account 3 March 2026 Foreign Exchange/Money Transfer 6 November 2024 $19,000 exchange fee shocks family 14 January 2025 Australian Tax 15 October 2025 Getting Your Tax File Number (TFN) 15 October 2025 Working With Children Check in Australia (WWCC) 11 February 2026 Renting and accommodation in Australia 8 August 2025 144 comments Eric 20 March 2026 - 3:53 pm Hi JJ, Thank you so much for such an informative website. I just have one question. So my parents, both of whom are currently 64, and are thinking of moving to Australia for their retirement to stay closer to me. So I was doing a bit of research. Both of them have no problem meeting the 10 years working age residency requirement as they have spend over 30 years living in NZ. But when I was doing my research I’ve found this link in the Service Australia Website https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-06/int014-2506en.docx which has the agreement between NZ and AU, and it states this “ If you have less than 10 years residence in Australia and are living in New Zealand, or have been there for longer than 26 weeks, you may need to have least 12 months Working Age Residence in Australia, 6 months of this must be in a single period.” Does that mean they have to live in Australia for a year before they retires? Or their New Zealand residency can be used towards the 10 years residence mentioned in this statement as well? Thanks Eric Reply JJ Smith 24 March 2026 - 10:09 am Hi Eric, Thank you for your comment and compliment. Unfortunately, the Australian pension was one of the hardest subjects for me to get my head around. I also had to read and re-read so many sources, because I found the wording so confusing. Good news is, that their time in NZ does count towards their residence eligibility, so they will meet the residency requirement and therefore be able to apply when they move to Australia. Please make sure that they check the amount of pension they will receive after the income and asset tests, as it does make a difference to when they should apply: – If they qualify for the full Australian Age Pension – they should apply soon after arriving in Australia, because the maximum Australian Age Pension is generally higher than NZ Superannuation. – If they qualify for a reduced Age Pension (less than what they are currently receiving) – apply closer to the end of the 26-week period if they are still receiving NZ Superannuation, as this can help avoid overlapping payments that might later need to be repaid. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Reply Graeme Bull 26 February 2026 - 11:50 am We receive part Australian and part NZ pension, but when the Australian dollar is strong against the NZ dollar, the NZ amount is severely reduced. Is there any arrangement for this deficit to be covered by either country, and if so, how long before the deficit is paid? Thank you for your help. Reply JJ Smith 26 February 2026 - 1:10 pm Hi Graeme, This is a really good question, and it’s something that surprises a lot of people once they start receiving payments from both countries. When you get part New Zealand Super and part Australian Age Pension, your payments are calculated under the Social Security Agreement. NZ Super is paid at a set gross rate, but if you also receive an Australian pension, NZ applies the “direct deduction policy”: – The gross amount of your Australian pension (before tax), – Converted into NZD at the current exchange rate, – Is deducted from your NZ Super. So when the AUD is strong, your Australian pension is worth more in NZD, which reduces your NZ payment. This isn’t a penalty, it’s just how the system works. NZ does not cover shortfalls from exchange-rate changes, and Australia does not compensate either. Each country pays its assessed share under its own rules. Exchange rates are reviewed regularly. If the AUD weakens, your NZ payment may rise in the next review, but there’s no back-payment for past changes unless there’s an administrative error. Have you spoken to Work and Income or Centrelink about this? It would be interesting to know what advise they give to people in the same situation. I was going to suggest taking matters into your own hands and using a foreign exchange company to transfer your money between countries, but I’ve discovered that pensions generally cannot use commercial services like XE for Trans-Tasman transfers. Retirement savings must move directly between approved, regulated superannuation funds (KiwiSaver and Australian APRA-regulated funds) to maintain their tax-exempt status. I’d love to hear Work and Income’s take on this! Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Reply Mark Collinge 22 February 2026 - 8:36 pm Hi JJ, My wife and I both turned 67 last year and would really like to retire before the end of this year if the sums add up. One thing that I noticed in your piece on `Are New Zealanders eligible for the Age Pension in Australia?’ you state regarding pension payments that `These payments are available to both protected and non-protected SCV holders’. We have lived in Australia permanently since June 2013 but arrived on a non protected SCV, as far as I’m aware that SCV was only converted to a Permanent residence status in July 2023 and backdated for a year to July 2022. This was to allow long term residents to fast track and become Citizens which we did in October 2024, thinking this might assist us to access the Australian pension (Turns out it may have done just the opposite!) Having spoken to a number of people at Centrelink including the Department that deals with Social Security Agreements and explaining my situation they all seem to think that only residence after July 2022 will count toward an Australian pension and some have told me it’s likely to be calculated as a 3/45 fraction of the full pension – does this sound correct? We arrived in New Zealand from Zimbabwe in 2002, got residency in 2003 and citizenship in 2007. Is there anyway to calculate this or anyone who specializes in this type of advice ? Other friends in similar positions have been frustrated by this and it appears your fate is in the hands of the individual at Centrelink who assesses you. Many Thanks Mark Reply JJ Smith 23 February 2026 - 2:37 pm Hi Mark, This shouldn’t be a complex situation, and I completely understand how frustrated you must feel after speaking with Centrelink several times and not getting anywhere. Please note that I am not an immigration specialist or financial adviser. I can only share information based on personal experience or what I’ve been able to find online. For the Australian Age Pension, the general rule is that you must have lived in Australia (or New Zealand under certain agreements) for at least 10 years, including a continuous 5-year period. If you became an Australian citizen in October 2024 and have lived in Australia since June 2013 as a New Zealand citizen, it’s reasonable to question why you wouldn’t meet the residency requirement for the full Australian Age Pension. Firstly, I recommend you call Centrelink International Services on 131 673 (from within Australia). This team is more experienced with cases involving time spent overseas or under international agreements, so you may have a better chance of speaking with someone who understands your situation fully. Next, speak with a Financial Information Service (FIS) Officer. They should also be able to look at your circumstances more carefully and provide clearer guidance. Steps to Book a FIS Appointment: – Call 132 300 (Centrelink Older Australians or general enquiries line). – Request to speak with a Financial Information Service (FIS) Officer. – Ask to schedule either a phone appointment or an in-person meeting at your local service centre. I suspect there may have been a misunderstanding of your residency history by the Centrelink personnel you’ve spoken with so far. Hopefully, you’ll receive clearer advice through the above channels. Best of luck! Reply Robert James Gray 9 February 2026 - 4:59 pm Hi JJ Fantastic info you supply We are both NZ Superannuitants about to head to Brisbane to live with our family who shifted 3 years ago – they are currently building a grani flat for us to live in on their property – lucky us !!! We own our own home in Dunedin- we are mortgage free and are considering renting our Dunedin home out We will advise work & income nz plus IRD accordingly – will this rental income – less expenses off set affect our entitlement to Aussie age pension and to what degree The other question i have is – if we were to sell our NZ property does this affect our entitlement to aussie age pension and to what degree – supposing our small nz home sold for NZ $500,000 Kind regards Robert Gray Reply JJ Smith 26 February 2026 - 2:00 pm Hi Robert, Thank you for your comment and kind words. My apologies for the delayed reply — I believe your message was initially blocked because of your contact info at the bottom. I’ve removed it so you won’t get spammed. Please note, I am not a financial adviser or accountant, and can only provide information I’ve found online. Yes, your Dunedin home will be considered an asset, and rental income will affect your Australian Age Pension. As you may know, the Age Pension is both income and asset tested. You can easily work out how your pension will be effected by using an Age Pension calculator. I’ve completed the calculator so you have an idea of how your home will affect your Australian pension: Example 1: Keep your Dunedin home and rent it out – Couple, non-homeowners in Australia Assets Test: – Non-home assets (Dunedin home): $500,000 – Total assessable assets: $500,000 Income Test: – Deemed income from assets: $11,626 – Rental income: $31,200 – Total assessable income: $42,826 Age Pension Estimate: – Per person per fortnight: $571.71 – Per couple per fortnight: $1,143.42 – Per couple per year: $29,729 Example 2: Sell your Dunedin home and buy a home in Australia – Couple, homeowners in Australia Assets Test: $0 Income Test: $0 Age Pension Estimate: – Per person per fortnight: $888.50 – Per couple per fortnight: $1,777 – Per couple per year: $46,202 Your principal home is exempt from the Age Pension assets test, meaning its value does not count towards the limit, regardless of how high it is. However, homeowners have lower allowable asset limits for non-home assets than non-homeowners. Selling, downsizing, or renovating the home can significantly impact pension entitlements. Key Impacts of Homeownership on Pension: – Asset Test Exemption: The home you live in (principal residence) on less than 2 hectares is not counted as an asset. – Lower Asset Thresholds: Because your home is exempt, you are allowed less non-home wealth to qualify for the maximum pension. For instance, from Sept 2025, a single homeowner can have up to $321,500 in other assets for a full pension, compared to $579,500 for a non-homeowner. – Selling and Buying: If you sell your home, proceeds meant for a new home are exempt from the assets test for up to 24 months. However, these funds may be subject to “deeming” (assumed income) rules during this time. – Renovations: Spending money on home renovations reduces your assessable assets, which can increase your pension entitlement. – Granny Flats/Life Interest: If you pay for a life interest in someone else’s home (a “granny flat” arrangement), it may be treated as an exempt asset, similar to owning your own home. – Leaving Home: If you move out of your home, it may lose its exempt status after a certain period, impacting your asset assessment. Unfortunately, I can’t provide more personalised advice beyond this, so I recommend speaking with a financial adviser experienced with cross-Tasman pensioners. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Reply Dorothy 6 February 2026 - 2:31 pm Hi there, Can our medical conditions prevent us from gaining pension in Australia eg: diabetes? Thanks for great help in blogs. Reply JJ Smith 26 February 2026 - 4:12 pm Hi Dorothy, Firstly, sincerely apologise for not replying sooner. I don’t know why, but I never received your comment by email, which is how I usually do and only discovered it when I logged in today. So sorry for the very late reply. You might know this already by now, but the short answer is no — medical conditions such as diabetes do not prevent you from qualifying for the Australian Age Pension. The Services Australia Age Pension is based on: – Your age (currently Age Pension age) – Your residency status – The income test – The assets test It is not assessed based on your health. Having diabetes (or most other medical conditions) does not disqualify you. If you would like to find out how much your medication will cost in Australia, you can so on the PBS online schedule, and it is updated every month. This online searchable version contains: – All of the drugs listed on the PBS – Information on the conditions of use for the prescribing of PBS medicines – Detailed consumer information for medicines that have been prescribed by your doctor or dentist – What you can expect to pay for medicines. I’m so pleased you’ve found the blogs helpful. Please feel free to email me back any further questions you have. Have a lovely afternoon. Reply Sheryl 13 January 2026 - 6:15 pm Hello – thank you for this wonderful resource. My query relates to whom I should speak to about calculating asset testing and what is involved. I would appreciate a recommendation for a professional who is able to determine my eligibility for a pension in Australia, particularly concerning trusts, etc. Thank you so much Reply JJ Smith 3 February 2026 - 1:16 pm Hi Sheryl, Thank you for your message. Sorry for the delay in replying. Unfortunately, I haven’t yet come across anyone I can confidently recommend regarding pension eligibility in Australia. You may find it helpful to contact Centrelink International and speak directly with a representative on 0800 441 248, as they should be able to assist you with your specific situation. The Services Australia website also has information on private trusts and companies, which is worth reading so you can better understand the details they may ask for when assessing your eligibility. Sorry I can’t be of more help on this occasion. Reply Michael Jackson 12 December 2025 - 4:58 pm Hi JJ, My wife (who is under 67) and I (aged 68) moved to Perth, WA in January 2025 and I immediately collated all the requiremed documents etc. and made my application to Centrelink for the Australian Age Pension in May (yep, it took a while to get everything organised!). In September I approached Centrelink about how long it would take to process the application and the response from their staff member was that they are processing international applicants who had applied over a year ago! I was flabbergasted and she further advised that I will have to live off any savings I have (we have no income) until they clear the backlog. They say they are priority processing applications for international applicants who have no money in savings nor any income at all. So it seems that there is a looooong waitlist and the processing time of days, week or even a few months is very understated. Thanks, MJ Reply JJ Smith 15 December 2025 - 1:45 pm Hi Michael, Thank you so much for your comment. It’s incredibly sad to hear that you’ve been waiting for your Age Pension application to be approved since May 2025, I honestly don’t understand how that can be considered an acceptable timeframe. When I updated my Australian Age Pension article one month ago (12 November 2025), everything I found online indicated that processing times had improved after Centrelink hired additional staff to help clear the backlog. So receiving your comment is extremely concerning. I will add a clear note to the post advising visitors about the significant delays with international applications, including the fact that some applications from over a year ago are still being processed. I will also note that if applicants do not have sufficient savings to support themselves, they should contact Centrelink as soon as possible and advise them of this, as it may allow their application to be prioritised under financial hardship grounds. I feel like I’ve let you down, and I’m genuinely sorry about that. When I saw the updates on processing timeframes, I never imagined that these improvements would exclude New Zealand applications. If there is any additional information you’re able to share that could help others in a similar situation, please feel free to pass it on. I truly hope your application is approved very soon and that you receive all of the back pay you’re owed. Reply « 1 … 3 4 5 Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
