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.
The government's Home Equity Access Scheme
The Home Equity Access Scheme is a voluntary secured loan administered by Services Australia. Eligibility includes age/pension conditions and suitable Australian property security. Some people with a zero payable qualifying pension because of means tests can qualify.
Loan payments and any pension are subject to a combined limit. The amount available depends on scheme rules and circumstances; owning property alone does not establish approval.
Current annual interest is 3.95%, compounded fortnightly. Interest increases the debt over time. Property security, insurance and partner or co-owner requirements matter.
Advances have further conditions
An advance can affect later fortnightly loan limits and Centrelink assessment. Some advance money secured against the principal home has a temporary assets exemption, subject to conditions; this does not necessarily remove income-test deeming.
Ask the agency about the specific advance, use of money and assessment. Do not assume all borrowed cash is ignored.
Private arrangements are different
Private reverse mortgages and home-reversion arrangements have their own terms. Compare compound costs, occupancy rights, remaining equity and future care or moving needs.
A guarantee or agreement involving family can put your home or future independence at risk. Obtain independent legal and financial advice before signing; a family member's reassurance is not an assessment of your rights.
Before applying
- Read the official scheme or lender documents and check eligibility and security requirements.
- Ask about the debt over time, fees, repayment events and what happens if you move or need care.
- Discuss pension and means-test interactions with Services Australia or FIS.
- Use independent legal/financial advice for your personal decision, and keep the written terms.
Assisted access
Services Australia can explain the scheme and its application route by phone or with staff assistance. FIS provides education, not a recommendation to borrow. If ordinary bills are unaffordable, financial counselling is another route to consider.
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.
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.
- Home Equity Access Scheme (opens in a new tab)Services Australia · Content checked 5 October 2026Automated retrieval 5 October 2026. This is not an editorial review.
- Who can get a Home Equity Access Scheme loan (opens in a new tab)Services Australia · Content checked 5 October 2026Automated retrieval 5 October 2026. This is not an editorial review.
- Before you apply for a Home Equity Access Scheme loan (opens in a new tab)Services Australia · Content checked 5 October 2026Automated retrieval 5 October 2026. This is not an editorial review.
- Home Equity Access Scheme advance payments (opens in a new tab)Services Australia · Content checked 5 October 2026Automated retrieval 5 October 2026. This is not an editorial review.
- 2026 Home Equity Access Scheme interest determination (opens in a new tab)Federal Register of Legislation · Content checked 5 October 2026Automated retrieval 5 October 2026. This is not an editorial review.
- Reverse mortgages and home equity release (opens in a new tab)ASIC Moneysmart · Content checked 5 October 2026Automated retrieval 5 October 2026. This is not an editorial review.
- Protect your money in retirement (opens in a new tab)ASIC Moneysmart · Content checked 5 October 2026Automated retrieval 5 October 2026. This is not an editorial review.
- Financial services when thinking about retirement (opens in a new tab)Services Australia · Content checked 5 October 2026Automated retrieval 5 October 2026. This is not an editorial review.
- Free financial counselling (opens in a new tab)National Debt Helpline · Content checked 5 October 2026Automated retrieval 5 October 2026. This is not an editorial review.
How we check sources and handle changes · Tell us about a correction