The Australian Age Pension provides income support to eligible older Australians who have reached Age Pension age and meet residency, income, and assets requirements. In 2026, the maximum standard Age Pension for a single person is $1,200.90 per fortnight, including the maximum Pension Supplement and Energy Supplement. For a couple, the maximum combined amount is $1,810.40 per fortnight.
The Age Pension is an Australian Government payment designed to provide income support to eligible older people. Services Australia states that Age Pension eligibility generally requires a person to be 67 or older, meet income and assets test requirements, and satisfy Australian residency rules.
As of the current 2026 rates published by Services Australia, the maximum standard Age Pension amounts are paid fortnightly.
| Payment | Single | Couple Each | Couple Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum basic rate | $1,100.30 | $829.40 | $1,658.80 |
| Maximum Pension Supplement | $86.50 | $65.20 | $130.40 |
| Energy Supplement | $14.10 | $10.60 | $21.20 |
| Maximum total | $1,200.90 | $905.20 | $1,810.40 |
These are maximum rates before tax. The actual payment may be lower depending on the person's circumstances and the income and assets tests.
The income test is one of the factors Services Australia uses to determine how much Age Pension a person can receive. From July 2026, a single person can have income of up to $226 per fortnight before the pension starts reducing under the standard income test. Above that amount, the pension generally reduces by 40 cents for each dollar of income over the threshold.
For couples living together, the combined income threshold is $396 per fortnight before the standard reduction applies.
Income can include different sources, so understanding how individual circumstances are assessed is important.
The value of assets can also affect Age Pension eligibility and payment amounts. Services Australia lists different thresholds depending on whether someone is single or partnered and whether they are a homeowner.
From 1 July 2026, examples of asset limits for a full pension include:
The principal home is generally treated differently from many other assets when assessing eligibility.
Reaching Age Pension age does not automatically guarantee the full payment. Applicants must meet several requirements.
Generally, you need to:
Services Australia states that people normally need to have been Australian residents for at least 10 years, although exceptions and international social security agreements can apply.
The maximum published rate is useful as a general guide, but individual payments can differ substantially.
Before estimating your payment, consider:
Services Australia's Payment Finder can be used to obtain a more personalized estimate based on individual circumstances.
The maximum Australian Age Pension in 2026 is currently $1,200.90 per fortnight for a single person, including the maximum basic rate, Pension Supplement, and Energy Supplement. For a couple, the maximum combined payment is $1,810.40 per fortnight.
However, not everyone receives the maximum amount. Income, assets, relationship status, residency, and other circumstances can affect eligibility and payment levels. The rates can also change when the government conducts its scheduled pension rate adjustments, so checking Services Australia for the latest figures is recommended.