Who can get it

You can’t register for the Pension Bonus Scheme anymore. However, if your partner was a member, you may still claim and get a Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment.

You can get the Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment if your partner meets all of the following:

• died on or after 1 January 2008
• was a Pension Bonus Scheme member for at least 12 months
• didn’t successfully claim Age Pension and Pension Bonus before they died
• didn’t get an income support payment except Carer Payment, or Carer Service Pension since first qualifying for Age Pension
• passed the work test rules for at least 12 months from the date their membership started.

You must meet all of the following:

• residence rules
• have income and assets below the limits
• submit your claim within 26 weeks of your partner’s death, unless you get an extension.

If you’re a member

You can’t register for the Pension Bonus Scheme anymore. If you’re registered for the scheme, you may get a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.

You can claim Age Pension and your own pension bonus If you get Pension Bonus Bereavement Payment and you’re both:

• a registered member of the scheme
• working.

If you’re a member and relied on your partner’s work to pass the work test, you’ll need to either:

• claim your bonus within 26 weeks of your partner’s death
• start work.

Our Financial Information Service (FIS) can help you review your options. To book an appointment, call the Centrelink Older Australians Line and speak to a FIS Officer.