Can I still access Government benefits in retirement—even with savings?
Many Australians assume that if they’ve built up retirement savings, they won’t qualify for any government assistance. But that’s not always the case.
At McMillans, we regularly help clients uncover Centrelink benefits and concessions they didn’t realise they were eligible for—helping them stretch their retirement income further and enjoy more financial freedom.
What government benefits might I be eligible for?
Some of the most common benefits and concessions available through Centrelink and other government programs include:
Age Pension
Disability Support Pension
Low Income Health Care Card
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Newstart Allowance (for those still under pension age)
Even if you don’t qualify for the full Age Pension, you may still be eligible for part payments or concessions that help reduce your day-to-day costs.
Why consider Centrelink support in retirement?
Every dollar you receive from a pension or government allowance is a dollar you don’t need to draw from your superannuation or savings. That means your personal savings can last longer, and you can live with more certainty.
Examples of support include:
Reduced-cost prescriptions through the PBS
Discounts on utilities and vehicle registration
Concessions on local council rates and public transport
These benefits can add up to thousands of dollars in annual savings.
Real example: Steve & Julie’s smart strategy
Steve and Julie were retired with $1.5 million in investments—well over the standard threshold for Age Pension support. Initially, they believed they wouldn’t qualify for anything.
But with guidance from McMillans, they were able to restructure their assets in a way that reduced their Centrelink-assessable income. This allowed them to become eligible for:
A Low Income Health Care Card
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
As a result, they gained access to cheaper prescriptions and concessions on living costs—without significantly altering their lifestyle.
How can I check my eligibility?
That’s where we come in.
At McMillans, we work with you to:
Understand the full picture of your income and assets
Review Centrelink thresholds and eligibility rules
Explore legal and strategic options to structure your finances
Help you apply for cards or entitlements where eligible
You might be surprised at what you're entitled to—even if you’ve been told otherwise in the past.
Let’s maximise what’s available to you
Whether you're already retired or planning ahead, don’t overlook government benefits as part of your retirement income strategy. You’ve paid into the system—now it’s time to see what it can return to you.