Most people know about the Pensioner Concession Card. If you’re a retiree and eligible for the Age Pension the card provides discounted health care, medicines, and public transport.

That’s a welcome perk for many people. But it’s only the tip of the iceberg. The Australian Government provides a variety of subsidies and services to help Australians enjoy a better retirement.

If you’ve never paid much attention you may be missing out. Especially since most Australians retire on some combination of the Age Pension and their super savings. 

So, let’s take a closer look at what’s available, and what you may be able to claim.

Payments and subsidies

The Federal Government provides a range of pension benefits and payments via its Centrelink affiliated Services Australia program.

These are aimed at people who qualify for a part or full Age Pension. But even a self-funded retiree may become eligible if their financial position changes, and their income or assets fall below a certain threshold. At this point they may be eligible for a part-pension, which opens the door to other support services and a variety of subsidies. 

That’s something a financial planner can assist with. In the meantime, these are the most common pension payments and supplements available.

Pension supplement

The pension supplement is designed to help with utility, phone, internet and medical costs. For a couple this can be as high as $107 (combined) per fortnight.

Energy supplement

If you receive the Age Pension you may qualify for a fortnightly energy supplement. There’s also an Essential Medical Equipment Payment if you have medical equipment in the home.

Rent Assistance

If you pay rent and are on the Age Pension there’s a subsidy available. For a couple this can mean an additional $134 (combined) per fortnight.

Carer Allowance

If you provide additional daily care to someone, you may be eligible for a Carer Allowance each fortnight.
 

Health services

Aside from direct government payments and subsidies, there’s also a range of health care benefits that pensioners are entitled to.

The Medicare and PBS safety net aim to reduce and cap out of pocket medical expenses. There are also free vaccinations and annual health assessments available. 

The Government's MoneySmart website provides a comprehensive overview. 

Other support services

The Federal Government has introduce a number of measures to allow more flexibility when it comes to lifestyle and income in retirement.

Work bonus

If you receive the Age Pension or a Veterans Affairs Pension, the Work Bonus allows you to earn up to $300 a fortnight without impacting your Centrelink payment.

Pension Loans Scheme

The Pension Loans Scheme allows you to apply for loan that can be used to top-up your Age Pension payments. These additional payments are tax free, however, you need to own a property to be eligible.

You will have to pay interest on the loan and there are costs involved in both starting and exiting the loan. Getting professional advice is very important.

Downsizer Contribution Scheme

If you’re 65 or older and you sell your family home, you can contribute up to $300,000 (per person) towards your superannuation. The Downsizer Contribution Scheme program is primarily aimed at retirees and designed to help you increase your super savings by freeing up some of the equity you have if you decide to downsize and sell the family home.

Help at home

The Help at Home Scheme is designed to keep retirees in their home and independent. It provides government subsidies to pay for at-home services. This might be anything from help with the gardening and shopping to meal prep or physiotherapy.
 

Retirement on suit your lifestyle

Everyone’s idea of retirement is different. Government support services are designed to provide you with the flexibility to retire on your own terms.   

Whether you’re on a full or part Age Pension, there are government services to help support you throughout retirement. 

The list above is a good starting point, but you should seek advice from a financial planner who can help you navigate these government services. You can also find helpful information on the Government's Services Australia website.