Navigating retirement income in Australia can be complex, especially when it comes to understanding the difference between the Age Pension and a retirement pension account.
While both provide financial support in retirement, they operate under different systems, with distinct eligibility rules and implications for your overall income strategy.
Understanding the Age Pension in Australia
The Age Pension is a government-funded payment designed to support older Australians who meet specific criteria. Managed by Centrelink, it’s available to individuals who:
- Are aged 67 or older (as of 2025)
- Meet residency requirements
- Pass income and assets tests
The Age Pension acts as a safety net for those with limited retirement savings and is paid fortnightly. Eligibility is reassessed regularly, and your financial situation - including income from other sources - can affect how much you receive.
What Is a retirement pension account?
A retirement pension account allows retirees to draw regular income from their accumulated super savings. The most common one is known as an account-based pension. This is not a government payment—it’s managed by your super fund and offers flexibility in how much and how often you withdraw funds.
To access a retirement pension, you must:
Unlike the Age Pension, there are minimum withdrawal requirements set by law, but you can tailor your payments to suit your lifestyle and financial needs.
Key Benefits of a Retirement Pension account
Tax-Free Investment Earnings
Once you move your super into a pension phase account, the investment earnings—like interest, dividends, and capital gains—are generally tax-free. That means more of your money stays invested and working for you.
Flexible Income Access
You’re in control. Choose how much and how often you’d like to receive payments, whether it’s monthly, quarterly, or annually. It’s designed to fit your lifestyle and cash flow needs in retirement.
Keep Growing Your Retirement Savings
Even while you’re drawing an income, your remaining balance stays invested. This gives your money the potential to continue growing, helping your retirement savings last longer.
MLC Pension Bonus
Eligible members may receive a pension bonus from MLC, which can give your retirement savings a boost by increasing the amount you have invested. Find out more about MLC’s Pension Bonus.
Key Differences Between Age Pension and Retirement Pension
Understanding the difference between Age Pension and the retirement pension through your super is crucial for effective retirement planning: