10 Things Australian Retirees Are Owed — That Most Never Claim

The Age Pension most retirees underclaim by thousands

Including the Work Bonus, the assets test threshold most people misread, and how the income test applies to deemed financial assets.

The Pension Supplement top-up most recipients forget to activate

Up to $81.60 per fortnight for singles. Paid quarterly if you choose. Separate from the base pension rate.

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

For self-funded retirees who don't qualify for the Age Pension. Cuts the cost of medicines, bulk billing, and energy supplements.

The Rent Assistance payment renters miss

Up to $211.20 per fortnight if you rent privately. Means-tested — but far more people qualify than realise.

The bereavement payment a surviving partner is owed

Up to 14 weeks of the couple rate — paid as a lump sum. Centrelink does not call you. You have to claim it.

Energy Supplement

A small but permanent addition to your fortnightly payment if you're on the Age Pension or a Centrelink card. Most people don't know it exists as a separate line item.

Pension Bonus Scheme — for those who delayed claiming

A one-off lump sum for Age Pension recipients who kept working past pension age. The register closed in 2014, but some people are still owed a claim.

State-based concession cards

Each state has its own card — discounts on rates, public transport, vehicle registration, and utilities. Most are issued automatically. Not all are.

The super tax-free threshold after 60 most people don't use properly

Everything from a taxed super fund is tax-free after 60. The trap: people who don't draw down efficiently and miss a decade of tax-free income.

The Telephone Allowance — still paid, almost never claimed

$31.40 per quarter for Age Pension recipients who have a telephone or internet service. You don't apply. But you have to have the right Centrelink status to receive it.