As May 2025 approaches, many Australian seniors are asking a critical question: Is the Age Pension ending this month? The short answer is no.
The Age Pension remains a cornerstone of Australia’s retirement income system, and there are no government announcements indicating a cancellation or end of this benefit in May or beyond.
However, new updates to rates, payment dates, and eligibility rules are in effect, and seniors must stay informed to avoid missing out on their entitlements.
Is the Age Pension Being Discontinued in May 2025?
Despite circulating rumors, there is no plan to discontinue the Age Pension in May 2025. What’s happening instead is a regular series of payment adjustments, eligibility revalidations, and ongoing indexing based on inflation and living cost changes.
The government continues to support retirees aged 67 and above with means-tested payments, reviewed twice a year—in March and September.
Updated Age Pension Rates (As of March 2025)
Age Pension payments have been adjusted from March 2025, increasing slightly to reflect the cost-of-living pressures. Here’s a summary of the updated rates:
| Recipient Type | Fortnightly Payment | Annual Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,149.00 | $29,874.00 |
| Couple (each) | $866.10 | $22,519.00 |
| Couple (combined) | $1,732.20 | $45,037.00 |
| Couple (illness-separated, each) | $1,149.00 | $29,874.00 |
These amounts include the base pension, pension supplement, and energy supplement.
Next Payment Dates for Seniors in May–Dec 2025
Here are the upcoming payment dates for the Age Pension (especially relevant for recipients outside Australia, but applicable nationwide):
| Payment Issue Date | Deposit Date | Covers Payment Period |
|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2025 | May 7, 2025 | April 3 – April 30, 2025 |
| May 29, 2025 | June 4, 2025 | May 1 – May 28, 2025 |
| June 26, 2025 | July 2, 2025 | May 29 – June 25, 2025 |
| July 24, 2025 | July 30, 2025 | June 26 – July 23, 2025 |
| August 21, 2025 | August 27, 2025 | July 24 – August 20, 2025 |
| September 18, 2025 | September 24, 2025 | August 21 – September 17, 2025 |
| October 16, 2025 | October 22, 2025 | September 18 – October 15, 2025 |
| November 13, 2025 | November 19, 2025 | October 16 – November 12, 2025 |
| December 11, 2025 | December 17, 2025 | November 13 – December 10, 2025 |
Age Pension Eligibility in 2025
To receive the Age Pension in 2025, seniors must meet all of the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: Must be 67 years or older.
- Residency Requirement: Must be an Australian resident for at least 10 years, including at least 5 continuous years.
- Income and Assets Test: Pension amount depends on income from work, investments, and total owned assets.
Income and Assets Test Thresholds (Updated)
The amount of pension received depends on the lower result between the income test and assets test. Here are the key thresholds for full and part pensions:
Income Test (Fortnightly Limits)
| Household Type | Full Pension | Part Pension Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|
| Single | Up to $212.00 | Up to $2,510.00 |
| Couple (combined) | Up to $372.00 | Up to $3,836.40 |
Assets Test (For Homeowners)
| Household Type | Full Pension Asset Limit | Part Pension Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|
| Single Homeowner | $314,000 | $697,000 |
| Couple Homeowners | $470,000 (combined) | $1,047,500 (combined) |
Assets Test (For Non-Homeowners)
| Household Type | Full Pension Asset Limit | Part Pension Cut-Off |
|---|---|---|
| Single Non-Homeowner | $566,000 | $949,000 |
| Couple Non-Homeowners | $722,000 (combined) | $1,299,500 (combined) |
Deeming Rates for 2025
For financial assets like savings and shares, the government uses deeming rates to calculate income:
- 0.25% on the first $62,600 (single) or $103,800 (couple).
- 2.25% on the remainder.
These rates are frozen until June 30, 2025 and are expected to be reviewed thereafter.
Australian seniors can rest assured—the Age Pension is not ending in May 2025. However, staying updated on eligibility rules, payment dates, and thresholds is essential. Make sure your documentation is current and that you meet the income and asset criteria.
With proper planning and awareness, seniors can continue to rely on the Age Pension as a stable financial support system well into the future.
FAQs
Is the Age Pension ending in May 2025?
No, there is no plan to stop the Age Pension in May. Payments will continue based on updated eligibility and rates.
What if I don’t revalidate my documents?
If you are required to revalidate your pension documents and fail to do so by the due date, your payments could be delayed or suspended.
Are Age Pension payments increasing in 2025?
Yes, pension rates were increased in March 2025 and will be reviewed again in September based on inflation and CPI.