Sonali Tiwary
If your super, shares or other assessable assets sit close to the Age Pension cut-off, the September 20 indexation change could affect whether you receive a part-pension. The full-pension asset limits do not change on that date, while the upper cut-offs rise.
From September 20, 2026, the upper Age Pension assets-test limits are A$745,750 for a single homeowner and A$1,121,000 for a homeowner couple with combined assets. The full-pension limits remain A$333,000 for a single homeowner and A$499,000 for a homeowner couple. For non-homeowners, the corresponding upper limits are A$1,012,750 for a single person and A$1,388,000 for a couple. The primary home is generally exempt from the assets test. Services Australia also says maximum payment rates rise by A$36.80 a fortnight for singles and A$55.60 combined for couples. Each member of a couple receives an increase of A$27.80.
For people near the assets-test limits, a higher cut-off can preserve part-pension eligibility if their assessable assets fall within the new range. The pension tapers by A$3 a fortnight for each A$1,000 of assets above the lower threshold. The change in the maximum payment rate is separate from the change in the assets test. Deeming rates are also changing, so a person’s final payment can depend on both assets and assessed income.
### How the Taper Rate and Deeming Work
The assets test looks at assessable property and financial assets. The main home is generally excluded, while assets such as financial investments and other property may count. The taper rate reduces the pension as assessable assets rise above the lower limit. Services Australia‘s published thresholds should be used for personal calculations because limits differ by homeowner status and relationship status.
Deeming is a separate income-assessment method. From September 20, financial assets are deemed at 1.75% up to A$66,800 for singles and A$110,600 for couples combined. Amounts above those thresholds are deemed at 3.75%. Your assessable income may therefore be calculated using the deeming rate even when your actual investment returns are lower.
A change in super or other financial assets can also affect eligibility for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, but that card has its own income test. The effect depends on the person’s circumstances and should not be assumed from the Age Pension assets test alone.
**How much can I own in assets and still get the Age Pension?** From September 20, a single homeowner may receive a part-pension if assessable assets remain below A$745,750. For a homeowner couple, the combined upper limit is A$1,121,000. The full-pension limits are lower: A$333,000 for a single homeowner and A$499,000 for a homeowner couple. Non-homeowner limits are higher.
Services Australia says payment rates increase automatically for eligible recipients. You should report changes when your circumstances or assets require reporting, rather than updating figures solely because the indexation date has arrived. Check your Centrelink record or contact Services Australia if you are unsure whether a change must be reported.
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