You’ve reached retirement age and it’s time to claim the Age Pension through Centrelink. This can be a daunting process and the vast majority of seniors have confirmed that applying for the Age Pension was not a great experience. 88 per cent of people can’t be wrong and that’s why we have provided you with some additional information to help and guide you through this process.
Here are the first steps you need to take:
- Confirm that you can claim: you can submit your claim 13 weeks before you actually reach the Age Pension age – if you’re already eligible, Services Australia will write to you and let you know.
- Get your documents ready: you’ll need to provide some supporting documents – what’s required will be specific to your individual circumstances. As a minimum, you’ll need to provide:
- Your age
- Tax file number
- If you’re single or part of a couple
- Details on your income and assets.
- For more information, Services Australia supporting documents has more information.
Claiming online
Services Australia suggests that applying online is the easiest option for many people. To do this, you’ll need to access your myGov account and have Centrelink linked to your online account. If you don’t have a myGov account, you’ll need to set one up, and this includes confirming your identity before you can make a claim.
All the information you’ll need to set up your myGov account is here.
If you live outside Australia read how you can claim through an international social security agreement.
Making your claim
Before you proceed, there are a few things you need to remember:
- Make sure you complete your claim within 13 weeks of starting the process. If you don’t, your claim will expire and you’ll have to do it again.
- Make sure you answer all questions asked and supply all documents requested, otherwise your claim may be delayed.
- The How to claim a Centrelink payment online guide from Services Australia will take you through the step-by-step guide to claiming.
You can track your claim online via the myGov app and once your request has been assessed, Services Australia will either send you an email via myGov, the mobile app or if you didn’t submit your application online, you’ll receive a letter.
The application process will be different for everyone, as it will be based on your personal circumstances (whether you’re claiming at the same time as your partner or not) and on the review of your income and assets.
You’ve reached retirement age and it’s time to claim the Age Pension through Centrelink. This can be a daunting process and the vast majority of seniors have confirmed that applying for the Age Pension was not a great experience. 88 per cent of people can’t be wrong and that’s why we have provided you with some additional information to help and guide you through this process.
Here are the first steps you need to take:
- Confirm that you can claim: you can submit your claim 13 weeks before you actually reach the Age Pension age – if you’re already eligible, Services Australia will write to you and let you know.
- Get your documents ready: you’ll need to provide some supporting documents – what’s required will be specific to your individual circumstances. As a minimum, you’ll need to provide:
- For more information, Services Australia supporting documents has more information.
Claiming online
Services Australia suggests that applying online is the easiest option for many people. To do this, you’ll need to access your myGov account and have Centrelink linked to your online account. If you don’t have a myGov account, you’ll need to set one up, and this includes confirming your identity before you can make a claim.
All the information you’ll need to set up your myGov account is here.
print and complete the Claim for Age Pension and Pension Bonus form and the Income and Assets form
If you live outside Australia read how you can claim through an international social security agreement.
Making your claim
Before you proceed, there are a few things you need to remember:
- Make sure you complete your claim within 13 weeks of starting the process. If you don’t, your claim will expire and you’ll have to do it again.
- Make sure you answer all questions asked and supply all documents requested, otherwise your claim may be delayed.
- The How to claim a Centrelink payment online guide from Services Australia will take you through the step-by-step guide to claiming.
You can track your claim online via the myGov app and once your request has been assessed, Services Australia will either send you an email via myGov, the mobile app or if you didn’t submit your application online, you’ll receive a letter.
The application process will be different for everyone, as it will be based on your personal circumstances (whether you’re claiming at the same time as your partner or not) and on the review of your income and assets.