2025 $841 Age Pension Increase and $21 Bonus: Complete Payment Schedule & Eligibility Details

$841 increase in Age Pension in 2025: Key facts

From January 1, 2025, the Australian Government has made full-size changes to the Age Pension, whereby eligible pensioners will obtain an annual boom of $841 and an additional $21 every fortnight. This circular is to help older Australians cope with the growing price of dwellings.

This boom could be particularly beneficial for pensioners who rely on the Age Pension as their primary supply of earnings. In this article, we can explain in detail this new payment structure, eligibility criteria, and other benefits available to pensioners.

Overview of the $841 Increase in Age Pension

By 2025, the increase of $841 in the old-age pension was designed to offer financial elimination to the old Australians. With this additional $21 pension increase, qualified pensioners will see an increase in payment while not connected. If you are eligible or really want to apply, the prestigious services go to the Australia old-age pension page.

Aspect	Details
Annual Increase	$841 per year
Fortnightly Increase	$21 extra per fortnight
Effective Date	January 1, 2025
Eligibility Age	67 years
New Fortnightly Rates	– Single: $1,144.40 – Couple (combined): $1,725.20
Additional Bonus	One-time $21 cost-of-living bonus
Next Adjustment Date	March 20, 2025
Official Resource	Services Australia – Age Pension

What is the Age Pension?

The Age Pension is a government economic gain furnished to Australian residents aged 67 years or older who meet certain residency, profits, and belongings criteria. This pension is supposed to ensure older residents a basic policy of residing on their retirement.

This pension is re-evaluated and adjusted twice a year, commonly in March and September, based on adjustments in inflation and the cost of living.

New Age Pension Rates in 2025

The new Age Pension rates that come into effect from January 1, 2025, will be:

For single recipients:

• Former rate: $1,116.30 per fortnight
• New rate: $1,144.40 per fortnight
• Increase: $28.10 per fortnight ($841 per year)

For couples:

• Former rate: $1,682.80 per fortnight
• New rate: $1,725.20 per fortnight
• Increase: $42.40 per fortnight ($1,102.40 per year)

These new rates combine the basic pension amount, pension support, and energy support to ensure recipients get the maximum entitlement they deserve.

Eligibility criteria for Age Pension in 2025

To receive the Age Pension, individuals must meet the following requirements:

Age requirement:

• The applicant must be at least 67 years old in 2025.

Residence status:

• The applicant must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• They must have lived in Australia for at least 10 years, including 5 consecutive years.

Income test:

• The Age Pension undergoes an income test, which limits how much you can earn before your pension is reduced. The income limits for 2025 will be as follows:
• Singles: Can earn up to $204 per fortnight before the pension is reduced. For every $1 above this limit, the pension will be reduced by 50 cents.
• Couples (joint): Can earn up to $360 per fortnight before the pension is reduced.

Assets test:

• The assets test limits how much property you can own (excluding your main home). The asset limits for 2025 will be as follows:
• Single homeowner: Up to $301,750
• Couple homeowner (joint): Up to $451,500
• Single non-homeowner: Up to $543,750
• Couple non-homeowner (joint): Up to $693,500

If your income or assets exceed these limits, your pension may be reduced or may not be available.

How to apply for the $841 Age Pension increase and $21 bonus?

Eligible individuals can apply for the Age Pension in the following ways:

Apply online:

• Go to myGov and link your Centrelink account, then apply online.

Apply by phone:

• Call 13 23 00 for phone assistance.

In-person application:

• Visit your nearest Services Australia service center with the required documents.

Documents required for application:

• Proof of identity (e.g., passport, driving license)
• Income and asset statements
• Residence details

Additional benefits for pensioners in 2025

In addition to the Age Pension increase, eligible pensioners may also be eligible for a number of other government benefits, including:

• Energy assistance: To help pensioners handle rising energy costs.
• Commonwealth Seniors Health Card: Provides discounts on medicines, medical services, and transport.
• Rent assistance: For pensioners who rent privately.
• Affordable public transport: Pensioners can travel on public transport at discounted rates.
• One-off $21 living bonus: A special $21 bonus will be awarded in the first pension payment of 2025.

Full payment schedule for 2025

Payment Date	Single Fortnightly Amount	Couple Combined Fortnightly Amount
January 3, 2025	$1,144.40	$1,725.20
January 17, 2025	$1,144.40	$1,725.20
January 31, 2025	$1,144.40	$1,725.20
February 14, 2025	$1,144.40	$1,725.20
February 28, 2025	$1,144.40	$1,725.20

The Age Pension is paid every fortnight. The payment schedule for the first quarter of 2025 is below:

All payments will be automatically deposited into the recipient’s nominated bank account.

The Australian Government’s decision to boost the Age Pension by $841 and an extra $21 in keeping with the fortnight will significantly assist older Australians in taking care of the growing value of residing. Eligibility is primarily based on age, house, earnings and belongings, and pensioners who meet these criteria will benefit from this increase. In addition, additional supports such as energy assistance, rent assistance, and health care rebates further enhance these benefits for eligible recipients.

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