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Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

Individuals

Wife (Age) Pension

Purpose of Payment/Benefit

Wife (Age) Pension is for female partners of age pensioners who do not qualify for Age Pension in their own right. Since 1 July 1995, there have been no new grants of Wife (Age) Pension in recognition of women's increased labour force participation. Instead people in need may qualify for other income support payments, such as Newstart Allowance, Partner Allowance, Parenting Payment or Carer Payment.

Eligibility

There are no new grants of Wife(Age) Pension but current cases remain eligible until otherwise disqualified. To remain qualified for Wife (Age) Pension, a customer must be a member of a couple, and have a partner who is receiving Age Pension.

Means Test Qualifications

The Wife (Age) Pension is subject to an income test and an assets test.

Rates/Statistics

For details of current maximum rates click on the link: Wife (Age) Pension Rates

Further information

For further information about Wife(Age) Pension, please contact Centrelink on 13 2300 or visit the Wife Pension section of the Centrelink website.