Common mistakes, scam protection and next steps

Protect your pension and avoid common mistakes

Beware of scams around indexation dates: every March and September, scammers take advantage of media coverage about pension increases to send fraudulent messages claiming you need to “activate your increase” or “verify your bank details to receive the new rate”. These are always scams. Services Australia applies the rate increase automatically — you never need to click a link or provide personal details to receive it.

Services Australia will never send you an SMS, email or Facebook message asking for your bank account details, myGov password or CRN. If you receive such contact, report it immediately to the Services Australia fraud tip-off line on 131 524.

⚠️ Common mistakes that reduce your Age Pension

Not reporting changes in income or assets: if you start earning income from casual work, receive an inheritance, sell property or make changes to your superannuation, you must report this to Centrelink within 14 days. Failing to report can result in an overpayment debt that is deducted from your future pension payments, effectively wiping out the benefit of any rate increase.

Not updating your relationship status: if you separate from or lose a partner, your pension rate may change significantly. A single pensioner receives a higher individual rate than each member of a couple. Contact Centrelink promptly to ensure your payment reflects your current situation.

Confusing gross and net amounts: the maximum pension rate published by the government is the gross amount before deductions such as tax, Centrepay deductions or advance payment repayments. Your actual bank account credit may be lower. Always check the breakdown in your myGov account to understand each line item.

Ignoring the Energy Supplement and Rent Assistance: these additional components are included in your total fortnightly payment and are also adjusted at each indexation. Make sure they appear correctly in your payment breakdown — if Rent Assistance is missing and you are paying rent, you may be entitled to additional money.

✅ Recommended next steps

Log in to your myGov account now and check your current fortnightly payment amount. Compare it with the maximum rate published on the Services Australia website. If you believe you are receiving less than you are entitled to, contact Centrelink on 132 300 to request a review.

After each rate increase, update your personal budget. Even a modest increase of a few dollars per fortnight adds up to meaningful savings over a year. Redirect the extra amount toward essential expenses, an emergency fund or reducing any outstanding bills.

Share this guide with other Age Pension recipients in your family or community. Keeping everyone informed about how the rate increase works, when it happens and how to verify it reduces the risk of falling for scams and supports better financial planning for all.

For any questions about your pension rate, use only official channels: my.gov.au, the Centrelink older Australians line 132 300 or the Express Plus Centrelink app. Never respond to unsolicited messages requesting your personal or banking details.

If you notice a discrepancy between the amount you expected and the amount credited to your bank account, take a screenshot of both your bank statement and your myGov payment history and call 132 300 immediately. Clear documentation helps resolve any issue quickly and ensures you receive every dollar you are entitled to.