Use this guide alongside the official service
Read the steps here first and keep the relevant documents or questions ready. Outside websites open in a new tab, so this guide stays here. To continue, return to the Pension Path tab or close the new tab.
If online steps are difficult, find phone, paper or in-person help.
Check your route and timing
You can usually lodge up to 13 weeks before you qualify. A saved online draft has a separate expiry; check the claim instructions and finish it before it expires.
Turning 67 or starting a draft does not automatically establish a payable start date. Backdating has specific rules. Do not assume a phone enquiry protects every later claim.
Online claiming
- Set up your own myGov account and link Centrelink. Linking Medicare alone does not link Centrelink. Follow the official identity and customer reference number instructions.
- Open the official Age Pension claim and answer the household, residence and financial questions. Save progress while gathering relevant evidence.
- Upload requested evidence through the official account and review your answers.
- Complete the submission step. Keep the receipt, claim identifier and any estimated completion date. Then check for tasks or messages.
If you are claiming with a partner
The combined online route has particular account, relationship and age conditions. Your partner generally has 3 days to complete the linked task. If it expires, contact Centrelink about the correct next route.
A younger partner's finances may be needed even though they cannot claim. Separate claims, special circumstances and nominee claims have different procedures. Read the official route before starting; do not assume one person's submission completes both claims.
Paper, phone and in-person help
Call the Older Australians line on 132 300 if you cannot claim online. Ask about a paper claim, staff assistance, identity help or a service centre. Interpreter and accessibility support are available.
A supporter may help you understand the form. Formal authority is needed for a nominee to act on your behalf. Keep passwords private and send documents only to the agency.
After submitting
Submission is followed by assessment, which may require more evidence. Keep checking your official messages and respond by the deadline. Your receipt or Centrelink can explain your current claim status; this site cannot track your case.
Your next-step checklist
For your own notes. Ticks do not submit a claim or notify an agency.
Print or write down your steps if you prefer.
Your official next step
When you are ready, use the official instructions to apply or make your change. Keep this guide open while you work through the service. Follow that service's instructions and keep any confirmation it gives you.
Services Australia: official claim instructions (opens in a new tab)Official sources for this page
Guidance reviewed 5 October 2026. Source checks and content reviews are different: a successful download does not confirm that every rule is unchanged.
- Prepare to claim Age Pension (opens in a new tab)Services Australia · Content checked 5 October 2026Automated retrieval 5 October 2026. This is not an editorial review.
- Decide how to claim Age Pension (opens in a new tab)Services Australia · Content checked 5 October 2026Automated retrieval 5 October 2026. This is not an editorial review.
- How to claim Age Pension (opens in a new tab)Services Australia · Content checked 5 October 2026Automated retrieval 5 October 2026. This is not an editorial review.
- Set up online accounts for Centrelink (opens in a new tab)Services Australia · Content checked 5 October 2026Automated retrieval 5 October 2026. This is not an editorial review.
- Prove your identity with Centrelink (opens in a new tab)Services Australia · Content checked 5 October 2026Automated retrieval 5 October 2026. This is not an editorial review.
- Extra help when calling Services Australia (opens in a new tab)Services Australia · Content checked 5 October 2026Automated retrieval 5 October 2026. This is not an editorial review.
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