What is the Age Pension and will I qualify?

The Age Pension is a government payment for Australians 67 and over. Eligibility depends on your assets and income. As at 2024-25, singles can have up to $301,750 in assets (homeowners) and still receive a part pension. For couples, it's $451,500.

What are minimum drawdown rates?

If you have an account-based pension, the government requires you to withdraw a minimum percentage each year. For under-65s it's 4%, 65-74 is 5%, 75-79 is 6%, 80-84 is 7%, and it increases from there. These are halved during certain temporary measures.

Can I leave super to my family?

Yes. Super death benefits can go to dependants (spouse, children under 18, financial dependants) tax-free. Non-dependant beneficiaries may face tax of up to 17% on the taxable component. Having a valid binding death benefit nomination is important.

§ Tool · tier 1 · independent

Retirement Income Calculator.

Estimate how much income your super will provide in retirement and how long it will last.

CalculatorFree, no signupOn-deviceupd February 2026

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Move the sliders or type in the form on the left — the math updates live as you go. Click Get AI verdict when you want a written analysis.

How long will your super last in retirement? This is the question every Australian should be asking. Our Retirement Income Calculator estimates your annual retirement income based on your super balance, desired lifestyle, and investment returns. It also factors in the Age Pension and minimum drawdown rules so you get a realistic picture of your financial future.

§ Worked examples

Real-world scenarios

Comfortable Retirement

Maria retires at 67 with $700,000 in super. She wants $55,000/year and owns her home.

With 5% returns, Maria's super could last until age 87. The Age Pension would then provide a safety net. Drawing $50,000 instead extends her super by 3 extra years.

Early Retiree

David retires at 60 with $900,000 and wants $65,000/year. He can't access the pension until 67.

David needs ~$455,000 to bridge the 7-year gap before pension age. His remaining $445,000 + pension could fund his lifestyle well into his 90s.

§ FAQ

Questions Australians ask

§ Glossary

Plain-English definitions

Account-Based Pension

A retirement income stream from your super. You draw regular payments while the remaining balance stays invested. Minimum drawdown rules apply.

Transfer Balance Cap

The maximum amount you can transfer into tax-free pension phase. Currently $1.9 million per person (indexed).

Drawdown Rate

The percentage of your super balance you withdraw each year. Minimum rates are set by the government and increase with age.

Age Pension

A government income support payment for eligible Australians aged 67 and over. Subject to income and assets tests.

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How to use

01Enter your expected super balance at retirement (use our Super Balance Projector if unsure).
02Set your retirement age and desired annual income.
03Adjust the investment return and inflation assumptions.
04Select your housing and relationship status for Age Pension estimates.
05Review how long your super will last and whether you'll qualify for government support.

Key info

ASFA recommends $595,000 for a comfortable single retirement and $690,000 for a couple (owning their home).
The Age Pension provides up to $28,514/year for singles and $42,988/year for couples (2024-25 rates).
Minimum drawdown rates start at 4% for under-65s and increase with age (up to 14% for 95+).
Super in pension phase currently earns investment income tax-free (up to $1.9M transfer balance cap).

Pro tips

Don't assume you'll spend the same amount every year — early retirement is often more expensive (travel, hobbies) than later years.
Consider a mix of account-based pension and Age Pension for tax-efficient income.
Factor in large one-off costs like home maintenance, car replacement, and medical expenses.
Keep a buffer of 2-3 years' living expenses in lower-risk investments for market downturns.

Avoid these

Underestimating how long you'll live — the average 65-year-old Australian will live to 85-87.
Forgetting that inflation erodes your purchasing power — $50k today buys much less in 20 years.
Drawing down too much in the first few years and depleting savings prematurely.
Not accounting for healthcare costs which increase significantly in later years.

Disclaimer: Estimates only. Interest rates, fees and policies change frequently. Always verify with lenders directly. General information, not personal financial advice.

Last updated · February 2026