Centrelink · Self-funded retirees •
Centrelink benefits for self-funded retirees: what you can still claim
The national rules and current limits for each benefit, followed by the Victorian concessions that apply to retirees in Melbourne.
Self-funded retirees who have reached Age Pension age can claim the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. It has an income test and no assets test. Centrelink benefits for self-funded retirees also include the Home Equity Access Scheme and, for carers, Carer Allowance. A part Age Pension becomes payable once your assets and income are under the cut-off limits. This guide sets out the national rules first, then the Victorian concessions that apply to retirees in Melbourne.
- The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card income limit is $105,048 a year for a single and $168,076 for a couple combined, from 20 September 2026. There is no assets test.
- Account-based pensions are assessed for the card using deeming. Deeming rates are 1.75% and 3.75% from 20 September 2026.
- A part Age Pension stops at $1,121,000 of assessable assets for a couple who own their home, and $745,750 for a single homeowner.
- Anyone receiving the Age Pension gets the Pensioner Concession Card automatically.
- You do not have to be receiving a pension payment to use the Home Equity Access Scheme.
- Super held by a person under Age Pension age is exempt from the income and assets tests.
- In Victoria, the council rates, electricity, winter gas, water, vehicle registration and ambulance concessions do not list the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card as an accepted card.
How this article was put together. Every figure below was checked on 7 and 8 October 2026 against the Department of Social Services rates lists and Social Security Guide. Services Australia pages were used for the national rules. Victorian Government, VicRoads and council pages for Banyule, Darebin and Whittlesea were used for the Melbourne section. Each section names its own sources. Pension rates are indexed on 20 March and 20 September, and the free areas on 1 July, so check the dates against today’s.
What Centrelink benefits can self-funded retirees get?
In this article, a self-funded retiree means someone who has retired and receives no income support payment. The Social Security Guide describes the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card as a card to assist self-funded retirees of Age Pension age with certain living costs. The table lists what is available without a pension, and what is added once any Age Pension is payable.
| Benefit | Who it is for | Tested on |
|---|---|---|
| Available without a pension | ||
| Commonwealth Seniors Health Card | Age Pension age, not receiving income support | Income only |
| Home Equity Access Scheme | Age Pension age, owning real estate in Australia | A loan secured against the property |
| Carer Allowance | Carers | Income |
| Low Income Health Care Card | People under the income limits | Income |
| JobSeeker Payment | Aged 22 to Age Pension age | Income and assets |
| Added once any Age Pension is payable | ||
| Age Pension | Age 67 or over, meeting the residence rules | Income and assets |
| Pensioner Concession Card | People receiving the Age Pension (issued automatically) | Follows the pension |
| Rent Assistance | Pensioners who pay rent | Rent paid |
| Work Bonus | Pensioners of Age Pension age with income from work | Reduces assessed income |
Sources: DSS Guide 1.2.8.30, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card description; Services Australia: Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. Each row is sourced in its own section below.
What is the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, and who can get it?
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is a concession card for people who have reached Age Pension age and do not receive an income support payment. Eligibility is tested on income. There is no assets test.
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card eligibility
- You have reached Age Pension age.
- You meet the residence rules.
- You are not receiving an income support payment from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
- You and your partner give Centrelink your tax file numbers, unless you are exempt.
- You meet the identity requirements.
- You meet the income test.
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card income limit
| Your situation | Annual income limit from 20 September 2026 |
|---|---|
| Single | $105,048 |
| Couple, combined | $168,076 |
The test is based on your adjusted taxable income. Account-based income streams are assessed using the deeming rules, which apply a set rate to the balance. The limits are reviewed each year on 20 September. Deeming rates rose on 20 March 2026 and again on 20 September 2026, so the same balance now produces a higher deemed income. The current rates are in the Age Pension section below. Our explainer covers how a change in deeming rates flows through to your assessed income.
What the card gives you
Cheaper medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, bulk-billed doctor visits where your doctor decides to offer them, and a refund for medical costs when you reach the Medicare Safety Net. Some states, territories and local governments offer extra concessions to card holders.
Sources: DSS Guide 3.9.3.30, assessment of income for the card (income limits, last reviewed 21 September 2026); Services Australia: who can get the card; income test for the card; benefits of the card.
Can self-funded retirees get the Age Pension?
Yes, once your assets and income are under the cut-off limits. Age Pension age is 67. You need 10 years of Australian residence, including at least one period of 5 years or more. Your principal home is an exempt asset whatever its value.
| Assets test | Full pension up to | Part pension stops at |
|---|---|---|
| Single homeowner | $333,000 | $745,750 |
| Single non-homeowner | $600,000 | $1,012,750 |
| Couple homeowners, combined | $499,000 | $1,121,000 |
| Couple non-homeowners, combined | $766,000 | $1,388,000 |
Full-pension limits (assets free areas) apply from 1 July 2026. Cut-off limits apply from 20 September 2026. Every $1,000 of assets over the free area reduces the pension by $3 a fortnight.
There is also an income test. The assets test applies only if it produces a lower rate than the income test. The income free area is $226 a fortnight for a single and $396 combined for a couple, from 1 July 2026. Income over the free area reduces the pension by 50 cents in the dollar for a single, or 25 cents in the dollar for each member of a couple. The pension stops at $2,701.40 a fortnight of income for a single and $4,128.00 combined for a couple.
Financial assets are deemed to earn 1.75% on the first $66,800 for a single, or the first $110,600 for a couple, and 3.75% above that, from 20 September 2026. For how these tests apply to a couple with a seven-figure balance, see our guide on what $1 million in super means for a couple and their Age Pension.
The maximum Age Pension from 20 September 2026 to 19 March 2027 is:
| Maximum Age Pension | Per fortnight | Per year (× 26) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $1,237.70 | $32,180 |
| Couple, each | $933.00 | $24,258 |
| Couple, combined | $1,866.00 | $48,516 |
Includes the pension supplement and energy supplement. The combined figure is twice the “each” rate. Annual figures are the fortnightly rate multiplied by 26.
Sources: DSS Guide 3.4.1.10, qualification for Age Pension; DSS Guide 4.6.3.10, the principal home; DSS rates list, 1 July 2026 (free areas and deeming thresholds); DSS rates list, 20 September 2026 (cut-off limits); DSS Guide 4.2.3, assets tests; DSS Guide 4.2.1.10, pensions income test; DSS Guide 4.4.1.10, deeming rates; DSS Guide 5.1.8.10, common pension rates.
What comes with the Age Pension once any amount is payable?
The Pensioner Concession Card
People who get the Age Pension receive the Pensioner Concession Card automatically. It gives cheaper medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, bulk-billed doctor visits where your doctor offers them, a bigger refund for medical costs when you reach the Medicare Safety Net, help with hearing services, and discounts on Australia Post mail redirection. State and territory governments add their own concessions, which vary by location.
Rent Assistance
From 20 September 2026 the maximum Rent Assistance is $223.80 a fortnight for a single, paid once rent reaches $456.20 a fortnight. For a couple it is $211.00 a fortnight combined, paid once rent reaches $537.14.
The Work Bonus
For pensioners of Age Pension age, the first $300 a fortnight of income from work is not counted in the income test. It covers employment income and self-employment income from gainful work. Unused amounts build up in an income bank to a maximum of $11,800. People who start an eligible pension on or after 1 January 2024 begin with a $4,000 credit.
Sources: Services Australia: who can get a Pensioner Concession Card; benefits of the Pensioner Concession Card; DSS Guide 5.1.7.10, Rent Assistance current rates (last reviewed 21 September 2026); DSS Guide 3.1.15.10, Work Bonus (last reviewed 12 August 2024).
Can self-funded retirees use the Home Equity Access Scheme?
Yes. The Social Security Guide states that applicants do not have to be receiving an income support payment. To qualify you must:
- be of Age Pension age, or the partner of someone who is;
- qualify for the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment;
- not be bankrupt or under a personal insolvency agreement;
- own enough real estate in Australia to secure the debt; and
- keep adequate insurance on the secured property.
The scheme is a voluntary, non-taxable loan from the government. Any pension and the loan together can reach 150% of the maximum pension rate. From 20 September 2026 that works out to $1,856.55 a fortnight for a single (150% of $1,237.70) and $2,799.00 combined for a couple (150% of $1,866.00). You can also take up to two lump-sum advances in any 26 fortnights, capped in total at 50% of the maximum annual pension.
The loan must be repaid with interest and legal costs. Interest compounds each fortnight on the balance until the loan is repaid in full. A no negative equity guarantee applies. Check the current interest rate with Services Australia before you apply.
Sources: DSS Guide 3.4.5.10, Home Equity Access Scheme qualification (last reviewed 21 September 2026); DSS Guide 3.4.5.40, how the scheme is paid; Services Australia: Home Equity Access Scheme.
What can you claim if you retire before Age Pension age?
The Age Pension and the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card both start at Age Pension age. Before then, these rules apply.
Super is exempt while you are under Age Pension age
For a person under Age Pension age, all amounts held in superannuation are exempt from the income test and the assets test. The same exemption applies to a partner who is under Age Pension age. If super is withdrawn and reinvested outside super, it is assessed under the usual rules for that type of asset, and this may affect a partner’s payment.
JobSeeker Payment
JobSeeker Payment is for people aged between 22 and Age Pension age. It is income and assets tested. From 20 September 2026 the maximum basic rate is $824.90 a fortnight for a single with no children, $883.30 for a single aged 55 or over after nine continuous months on payment, and $755.10 each for a couple, before the energy supplement. A liquid assets waiting period of up to 13 weeks can apply.
Low Income Health Care Card
The Low Income Health Care Card has an income test. Services Australia publishes the current weekly income limits for singles and couples on its income test page.
Sources: DSS Guide 4.8.2.40, superannuation below Age Pension age (last reviewed 1 July 2021); Services Australia: who can get JobSeeker Payment; DSS Guide 5.1.8.20, common benefit rates (last reviewed 21 September 2026); DSS Guide 3.1.2.20, liquid assets waiting period; Services Australia: income test for Low Income Health Care Card.
What if you care for a partner or parent?
Carer Allowance is $162.60 a fortnight from 1 January 2026. Its income test limit is $250,000 a year of adjusted taxable income for you and your partner combined.
Carer Payment is a separate payment for people who provide constant care to someone who needs it for at least six months. Services Australia states that you may be able to get both Carer Payment and Carer Allowance, depending on your circumstances.
Sources: DSS rates list, 1 January 2026; DSS Guide 3.6.7.32, assessment of income for Carer Allowance; Services Australia: Carer Payment.
What concessions do self-funded retirees get in Melbourne and Victoria?
Centrelink issues the concession cards. The Victorian Government and local councils set which cards each state concession accepts. The table shows six Victorian concessions and how each one treats the three cards covered in this guide. The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is not an accepted card for any of the six.
| Victorian concession | What it gives | Pensioner Concession Card | Health Care Card | Commonwealth Seniors Health Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Council rates | 50% off rates up to a yearly maximum, on the home you live in | Accepted | Not eligible | Not listed |
| Annual electricity | 17.5% off electricity usage and service costs | Accepted | Accepted | Not listed |
| Winter gas | 17.5% off gas usage and service costs, 1 May to 31 October | Accepted | Accepted | Not listed |
| Water and sewerage | 50% off charges up to a yearly maximum | Accepted | Accepted | Not listed |
| Vehicle registration | 50% off the registration fee | Accepted, with 50% off the TAC fee as well | Accepted, registration fee only | Cannot be used |
| Ambulance | Ambulance concession benefits | Accepted | Accepted | Does not apply |
The Victorian Seniors Card
The Victorian Seniors Card is a state card, separate from Centrelink. It is not income or assets tested. You can get it if you are aged 60 or over, work under 35 hours a week in paid employment or are fully retired, and are a permanent resident living in Victoria. It gives concession public transport fares, free weekend travel across any two consecutive zones, and discounts from participating businesses.
Applying for the rates concession in Melbourne’s north
The rates concession is applied for through your council, using the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing municipal rates concession form and a copy of your concession card. For 2026–27, the Cities of Darebin and Whittlesea both list a maximum rates concession of $272.70 and a separate $50.00 rebate on the state fire and emergency services levy. Three councils in Melbourne’s north publish how to apply:
- Banyule City Council. Post the form and a copy of both sides of your card to PO Box 94, Greensborough VIC 3088, or email them to the council.
- City of Darebin. Take your pension card to a Customer Service Centre and complete the form there, or post the form and a copy of your card to PO Box 91, Preston 3072.
- City of Whittlesea. Email or post the form, or lodge it in person at 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang. The council states that you do not need to reapply each year unless your circumstances change.
Sources: Victorian Government: municipal rates concession; annual electricity concession; winter gas concession; water and sewerage concession; VicRoads: concession holder discounts; Department of Health Victoria: ambulance concessions (updated 22 July 2025); Seniors Online Victoria: Seniors Card (reviewed 11 December 2025); Banyule City Council: rates concessions for pensioners; City of Darebin: financial assistance options; City of Whittlesea: pensioner rebates.
Which rules should self-funded retirees check?
- The health card has to be claimed. It is not issued automatically.
- The limits are indexed. Pension rates and cut-offs change on 20 March and 20 September. Free areas change on 1 July. The health card income limit is reviewed on 20 September.
- Deeming rates changed twice in 2026. They were 1.25% and 3.25% from 20 March 2026 and are 1.75% and 3.75% from 20 September 2026.
- Gifting has limits. The free areas are $10,000 in a financial year and $30,000 over a rolling five financial years. Amounts above them are kept as your asset for five years from the date of the gift and are subject to deeming.
- A younger partner’s super is exempt only while it stays in super. If it is withdrawn and reinvested elsewhere, the usual rules for that asset apply.
- Each Victorian concession lists the cards it accepts. The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is not an accepted card for the rates, electricity, winter gas, water, vehicle registration or ambulance concessions.
Sources: DSS Guide 4.1.10, the rolling five financial year deprivation provisions (gifting, last reviewed 4 November 2024). The other points are sourced in their own sections above.
How do you check and claim what you are entitled to?
- Confirm you have reached Age Pension age. Age Pension age is 67. The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and the Age Pension both start there.
- Work out your income for the health card test. The test uses your adjusted taxable income, with account-based income streams assessed using deeming. The limit is $105,048 for a single or $168,076 for a couple combined.
- Claim the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. You can claim online through myGov linked to your Centrelink account, by form, or by phone. The card is not issued automatically.
- Compare your position with the Age Pension limits. Leave out your principal home. Both the assets test and the income test apply.
- Lodge an Age Pension claim if you are under the cut-offs. You can submit a claim in the 13 weeks before you reach Age Pension age.
- Apply for Victorian concessions. The Victorian Seniors Card is available from age 60. The rates concession is applied for through your council. Each state concession lists the cards it accepts.
- Check again after each indexation date. Pension rates and cut-offs change on 20 March and 20 September. Free areas change on 1 July.
If you would like your own figures worked through, see our superannuation and retirement planning service in Melbourne.
Sources: Services Australia: how to claim the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card; Services Australia: how to prepare to claim Age Pension.
Frequently asked questions
What Centrelink benefits can self-funded retirees get?
What is the income limit for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card?
Can self-funded retirees get the Age Pension?
What is the difference between the Pensioner Concession Card and the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card?
Do self-funded retirees get concessions on rates and power bills in Victoria?
How do I apply for the pensioner rates concession in Melbourne?
Can self-funded retirees use the Home Equity Access Scheme?
Can I get Centrelink if I retire before 67?
Does my partner’s super count if they are under Age Pension age?
How much can I give away under the Centrelink gifting rules?
The bottom line
Centrelink benefits for self-funded retirees begin with the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, which is tested on income and has no assets test. The Home Equity Access Scheme does not require a pension payment, and Carer Allowance has a $250,000 income limit. Once any Age Pension is payable, the Pensioner Concession Card is issued automatically. In Victoria, the six state concessions covered here accept the Pensioner Concession Card and not the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. All figures here are as at 20 September 2026 unless another date is shown.
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How we checked this
Each section above links to the government or council page it relies on. Each source is linked once, in the section that uses it. Links were opened on 7 or 8 October 2026.
General advice warning. This information is general only. It does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting, think about whether it is right for you and seek personal advice. Centrelink rates, thresholds and rules change regularly and are current as at 8 October 2026.
