For Australian retirees
Can a couple retire at 65 with $500,000 in super?
Here's what the numbers say for a couple (homeowner) in 2026, based on current ATO and Services Australia rules.
Retiring at 65 leaves a two-year gap before Age Pension eligibility. That's short enough to bridge without major risk, but the balance you carry into 67 still matters — it's the number Centrelink uses to calculate your payment. With $500,000 combined in super, you'd likely qualify for a full or near-full couple Age Pension from 67 — the couple homeowner assets test lower threshold is $481,500.
Your super is projected to last past age 90, supported by the Age Pension from 67. You appear to be in good shape.
Age Pension eligibility at 67
Part pension — $1,737/fn
With $500,000 combined in super, you'd likely qualify for a part Age Pension of around $1,737 per fortnight from age 67. See below for what's limiting the amount.
Why not the full pension?
Centrelink assigns a "deemed" income to your investments, regardless of what they actually earn. It's this calculated income — not your asset level — that's reducing your pension below the full amount. The deeming rate is currently 1.25% on the first $64,200 and 3.25% above that.
Your super runway
Lasts until age 110
Currently showing ASFA comfortable standard for singles.
With Age Pension
Age 110
Without Age Pension
Age 81
Balanced returns (7%/yr), $50K cash, Age Pension from 67 (includes base rate + pension supplement + energy supplement). Adjust your spending to see the impact.
This is based on standard assumptions
Your situation is different.
The full tool reveals what this page can't show you:
- What if you work part-time through your 60s? (TTR pension scenarios)
- What if you add extra super contributions before retiring?
- What if your partner has super too? (couple scenarios)
- Your actual salary, super balance, and other assets — not fixed assumptions
- Year-by-year breakdown with your real numbers
Free. No sign-up required. Takes about 2 minutes.
Modelled outcomes only. Not financial advice. Projections assume a couple (homeowner), $65K combined annual spend in today's dollars, $50K in cash and investments, and a 7% p.a. balanced return. Age Pension amounts include base rate, pension supplement, and energy supplement — the full payment a pensioner receives. Estimates use 2025–26 Services Australia thresholds. Past returns are not indicative of future performance. Consult a licensed financial adviser before making retirement decisions.
What if you had more time or more savings?