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We assess all asset types as part of the assets test. How much we can pay you depends on the value of your assets, your homeownership status and if you’re in a relationship. There are limits to how much you can have to get a pension. We call these the assets test limits. The Department of Social Services reviews these limits and cut off points in March, July and September each year.
Your assets include any property or possessions you own in full, in part, or have an interest in. This includes both:
- assets held outside Australia
- debts owed to you.
What the limits are for a full pension
When your assets are more than the limit for your situation, your pension will reduce.
If you’re a member of a couple, the limit is for both your and your partner’s assets combined, not each of you.
| Your situation | Homeowner | Non-homeowner |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $314,000 | $566,000 |
| A couple, combined | $470,000 | $722,000 |
| A couple, separated due to illness, combined | $470,000 | $722,000 |
| A couple, one partner eligible, combined | $470,000 | $722,000 |
For every $1000 in assets above the applicable limit, your rate of pension will reduce by:
- $3 per fortnight, if you’re single
- $1.50 per fortnight for each member of a couple.
What the limits are for a part pension
Pensions cancel when your assets are over the cut off point for your situation.
If you’re a member of a couple, the limit is for both your and your partner’s assets combined, not each of you.
The following table shows the cut off limits from 20 September 2024.
| Your situation | Homeowner | Non-homeowner |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $695,500 | $947,500 |
| A couple, combined | $1,045,500 | $1,297,500 |
| A couple, separated due to illness, combined | $1,233,000 | $1,485,000 |
| A couple, one partner eligible, combined | $1,045,500 | $1,297,500 |
If you get Rent Assistance with your pension, your cut off point is higher.
What the limits are for transitional rate of pension
Transitional rate pensions cancel when your assets are over your cut off point.
If you’re a member of a couple, the limit is for both your and your partner’s assets combined, not each of you.
The following table shows the cut off limits from 20 September 2024.
| Your situation | Homeowner | Non-homeowner |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $627,750 | $879,750 |
| A couple, combined | $976,500 | $1,228,500 |
| A couple, separated due to illness, combined | $1,097,500 | $1,349,500 |
| A couple, one partner eligible, combined | $976,500 | $1,228,500 |
If you get Rent Assistance with your pension, your cut off point is higher. You can find the rates by checking the Payment Finder.
When you get Disability Support Pension and are younger than 21 with no children
Disability Support Pension cancels when your assets are over the cut off point for your situation.
If you’re a member of a couple, the limit is for both you and your partner’s assets combined, not each of you.
The following table shows the cut off limits from 1 July 2024.
| Your situation | Homeowner | Non-homeowner |
|---|---|---|
| 16 to 17 years, single dependent | $501,250 | $753,250 |
| 18 to 20 years, single dependent | $521,500 | $773,500 |
| 16 to 20 years, single independent | $583,500 | $835,500 |
| 16 to 20 years, couple combined | $1,007,000 | $1,259,000 |
If you get Rent Assistance with your pension, your cut off point is higher. You can find the rates by checking the Payment Finder.
Where to find other help
You can apply for Asset Hardship provisions if you’re in severe financial hardship and your assets mean you either:
- don’t get Disability Support Pension
- get a small amount of Disability Support Pension.
Alternatively you may get help under the Home Equity Access Scheme.