Learning Australian Age Pension Rules (Income + Asset Tests) Can Boost Your Retirement Income

by | May 27, 2023 | Retirement Pension | 17 comments

Learning Australian Age Pension Rules (Income + Asset Tests) Can Boost Your Retirement Income




You cannot rely on the Australian Age Pension to fund your retirement. It doesn’t provide you with enough money for even a modest retirement. In order to retire comfortably in Australia, you will need to supplement your age pension with income from property, shares, or superannuation. However, having too much income and assets can reduce your age pension. So it’s imperative that you learn how the Age Pension income and asset tests work and plan your retirement accordingly.

0:00 Can you live off the Australian Age Pension?
2:08 How much is the Age Pension?
3:25 Understanding the Income Test
4:14 Understanding the Deeming Rules
6:33 Understanding the Work Bonus
7:53 Understanding the Asset Test
9:33 The biggest loophole in the Australian Age Pension system
10:52 Strategies to maximize the income from your Age Pension

Chinese subtitles are available for this video

I am an Executive Level Leader in the Australian Public Service with over 10 years of experience in tax and superannuation.

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Disclaimer: This video is for general educational purposes only. The information in this video should not be taken as constituting professional financial advice. I am not a financial adviser.

The information shared on this channel are primarily expressions of fact. I have taken the utmost care to ensure that all factual information is accurate as at the time of upload. Any personal views shared about a particular financial product is an expression of my own personal opinion and is in no way intended to influence a person making a decision in relation to that financial product.

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Retirement can be a daunting notion for many, particularly when it comes to financial planning and ensuring a comfortable lifestyle in the post-work years. However, it can be difficult to navigate the Australian Age Pension rules which dictate the level of assistance available based on income and assets. Understanding these rules is essential to maximising your retirement income.

The Australian Age Pension is a government funded initiative designed to assist those who have reached retirement age and have a limited income. The amount of pension you are eligible for is determined by the income and assets tests. These tests assess the amount of money and assets you have accumulated, and determine the level of pension you are entitled to receive.

The income test determines the amount of pension you are eligible for based on your income, which can come from a variety of sources such as employment earnings, investments, rental income or foreign income. The amount of pension you are entitled to reduces as your income increases. For example, if you are single and earn over $174 per fortnight, your pension entitlements will be reduced. Alternatively, if you are a couple and earn over $308 per fortnight, your entitlements will be reduced. The income test can be complex, and it is important to accurately report all sources of income in order to receive the maximum pension entitlements.

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In addition to the income test, the assets test also plays a significant role in determining your pension entitlements. The test assesses your total assets, including property, investments, and superannuation, and determines how much pension you are eligible for. The more assets you have, the less pension you are entitled to receive. For example, if you are single and have assets worth over $268,000, your pension entitlements will be reduced. Alternatively, if you are a couple and have assets worth over $401,500, your entitlements will be reduced. It is important to note that the value of your family home is exempt from the assets test.

To maximise your retirement income, understanding the Australian Age Pension rules is essential. By accurately reporting your income and assets, you can ensure that you receive the maximum entitlements. Additionally, there are a variety of strategies you can use to minimise the impact of these rules, such as transferring assets to your spouse or investing in exempt assets.

It is also important to note that the Australian Age Pension rules are subject to change, so it is important to stay informed about any updates or changes to the system. Seeking advice from a financial planner or accountant can also help you to navigate the complexities of the system and ensure that you receive the maximum pension entitlements.

In conclusion, understanding the Australian Age Pension rules is essential for anyone looking to maximise their retirement income. By accurately reporting your income and assets and staying informed about any changes to the system, you can ensure that you receive the maximum entitlements. Seeking advice from a financial planner or accountant can also help you to navigate the complexities of the system and ensure a comfortable retirement.

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17 Comments

  1. Laurence Hyde

    Very clear and good advice..

  2. Paul Papas

    Another great video mate – Although I am tracking well so far and my retirement age is in 4 years – My problem is something forced on me by the rental crisis – I purchased a unit in Nov 22 for my daughter to live in via a Liberty loan – So that may impact any asset test for pension in the future

  3. Chevy

    Excellent video full of important information, can you recommend any good retirement planners in Sydney? I'm being forced into early retirement (57) because of medical grounds (knees), with 500k in shares and 200k in super non home owner..

  4. PPP IDSN

    Great explanation. Will this loophole be fixed in the next few decades? Thank you.

  5. And The Funky Bunch

    I knew all of this separately but just hearing you outline the 7.8% return explanation made au much sense. It's obvious but your explanation helped. Thanks.

  6. red sed

    are u allowed to hide ur cash assets? Like lend ur money to some one so u can pass the assets test?

  7. red sed

    my old man gets 450$ a week! Werd u get $52 a day fool?

  8. ChoyChan Ma

    Thank you, Kuan, for sharing. All information is so important to all Australians.

  9. Steve Gow

    Great info

  10. Steven Ponte

    Brilliant video! I have been pulling my hair out trying to help my parents with their pension and superannuation and just didn't understand it, especially the "deemed" rates, This video did a great job. Keep them coming. Liked and Subscribed! 🙂

  11. Sherry

    Excellent video. Very well explained and presented… thumb up!!!

  12. Cholly Paderanga

    By the way, we are looking for a retirement, estate and superannuation licensed advisor… any referrals please

  13. Cholly Paderanga

    Thank you again for another informative great video, Kuan!

  14. Norman MacPherson

    Great video yet again Kuan. Are assets in a trust where you are a beneficiary used in asset tests or just income tests? Love the hair btw

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