Claiming: how, when and what to have ready
Claim up to 13 weeks before you turn 67, through myGov, by phone or in person — and what delays most claims.
When to claim
You can claim the Age Pension up to 13 weeks before your 67th birthday, and you should: payments generally start from when you claim and meet the rules, not from your birthday if you claim late, so a late claim can cost you money. If you are already receiving another Centrelink payment, ask whether your claim can transfer rather than starting from scratch.
The pension age is 67 for everyone born on or after 1 January 1957. If you were born earlier, your pension age was lower — but by 2026 every new claimant is on the age-67 rule, so this guide uses 67 throughout.
How to claim
The usual route is online: a myGov account linked to Centrelink, where you complete the claim and upload documents. You can also claim by phone on 132 300 or in person at a Services Australia service centre — booking an appointment online in advance is strongly recommended, because service-centre waits can be long.
Have ready before you start: proof of identity, proof of Australian residence, your tax file number, bank account details for payment, and details of your income and assets — including superannuation balances, bank accounts, shares, property other than your home, and any debts owed to you. If you have a partner, you will need your partner's details too, because couples are assessed together.
What delays claims
The most common delays are missing documents, unreported income or assets that need verification, and residence histories that need checking against international agreements. A claim is not decided until Services Australia has what it needs, so an incomplete claim sits still while a complete one moves. If Services Australia asks for more information, answer promptly — and keep copies of everything you send.
If your claim is refused, you will be told why, and you can ask for a review. Do not re-claim with the same information and hope for a different answer: fix the reason given — a missing document, an unreported asset, a residence gap — and then ask for the decision to be reviewed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim before I turn 67?
Yes — up to 13 weeks before your 67th birthday, so payments can start without a gap. Claiming early does not mean you are paid early: payment starts when you meet the age rule.
Do I need a myGov account?
It is the easiest route, but not the only one. You can also claim by phone on 132 300 or in person at a service centre.
How long does a claim take?
It varies with completeness. A complete claim with all documents moves fastest; missing documents and residence checks are the usual causes of delay. Once approved, the pension is paid fortnightly into your nominated Australian bank account.
Official links
Verify every figure on this page at Services Australia: