Who can get a payment

You can't register for the Pension Bonus Scheme anymore. This means only existing Pension Bonus Scheme members may be able to get the bonus.

Current members can remain in the scheme while they continue to meet the work requirements to accrue a Pension Bonus.

You can get the Pension Bonus payment if you meet all of the following. You:

  • registered in the scheme before 1 July 2014
  • can get Age Pension
  • registered before 1 July 2014
  • haven’t got an income support payment, other than Carer Payment or Carer Service Pension, since qualifying for Age Pension
  • passed the work test rules for at least 12 months from the date your membership started.

A bonus period is each 12 month period following your registration. We count these bonus periods when we work out how much Pension Bonus you can get. We pay the Pension Bonus in one lump sum when you stop working and claim Age Pension. You must claim the bonus at the same time you claim Age Pension.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has its own Pension Bonus Scheme. If you’re a veteran, call 133 254 or Freecallâ„¢ 1800 555 254. You can’t belong to both schemes.

Page last updated: 3 March 2022.
QC 43541