Since September 2025, the Age Pension for couples which amounts to $3,300 every month, has provided retirees with the necessary security. Part of the following text will discuss the updated amounts, qualification criteria, and the frequency of the payments for Age Pension couples.
Updated Payment Rates for Couples
The fuller Age Pension for a couple who resides together and is qualified will be $1,777 every fortnight or $46,202 per annum starting September 20, 2025. Each partner will receive $888.50, which will be a little above $3,300 every month, every month. The pension payments are revised in January and July every year to account for the pensioner’s cost of living.
Eligibility Criteria in 2025
As of 2025, to qualify for the Age Pension as a couple, both must be 67, and there is also a residency criterion. Normally, it means being a resident Australian for 10 years, of which 5 must be straight together. Following that, they both must clear the means test which looks into their income and assets.
Income and Asset Tests
To qualify for the full Age Pension, the assessable assets for couples do not exceed $481,500 if they own the home, and $739,500 if they do not. Couples can still qualify for a part Age Pension if the assessable assets are above these limits but below the higher part pension threshold. Under the income test, couples can earn $9,880 a year combined without it affecting Age Pension payments.
Payment Schedule and Increases
Age Pension payments are made every two weeks, with March and September reserved for indexation reviews. March 2026 is the next scheduled rate review. While payments are usually consistently made, which helps pensioners budget, they can be altered if the regular pay date falls on a public holiday.
Application and Required Data
In the case of Age Pension applications for couples, both must submit proof of their ages, residency status, income, and assets, and any required documentation must be declared. In the application form, the core details are summarized and listed, as shown in the table below:
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Names of both | John and Mary Smith |
| Dates of birth | 06/06/1958, 12/11/1957 |
| Years in Australia | 18 |
| Combined assets | $400,000 (own home) |
| Combined income | $8,000/year |
Key Points for Couples
- Both applicants must be 67 or older.
- Residency and means assess test rules apply to both members.
- Payments are currently $3,300 per month (total for both).
- Each March and September each year, we consider whether we will adjust and increase pension rates.
- Prudent financial disclosure leads to accurate payment calculations.
FAQ
Q1: When will the next increase on all pensions go into effect?
The next scheduled review of all pensions will take place on 20 March 2026, and while we will adjust them according to the economic conditions, there will be the standard economic indexation applied.
Q2: What would happen if one partner is above the asset or income limits?
Even if one partner is above the asset or income limits, the couple as a whole could be eligible for the part pension.
Q3: If couples living apart, can they still get separate payments?
Yes, couples separated due to illness may each get the single rate, which provides a higher combined payout.
