How Super Affects Your Age Pension in 2026 (It's Not the Assets Test)

All figures in this video are the rates that apply from 20 September 2026. From 20 September, the test that decides most Age Pensions isn't the assets test. Every article you've read says it is. They were right last year - the deeming rate that was frozen at 0.25% for five years is now 1.75%, and 3.75% on everything above the threshold. That changes which test binds. A retired homeowner couple with $420,000 in super and the bank is UNDER the assets limit. Every guide says full pension. Centrelink pays them $1,621 a year less than that - because the income test decided it, and almost nobody checks the income test after they've passed the assets test. CHAPTERS: 0:00 It's not the assets test 1:11 Why this matters before 67 1:38 The two tests - you get the lower one 2:18 The four types of super 3:38 Deeming - the rates from 20 September 2026 4:52 The four numbers (screenshot this) 5:43 Helen and Peter, both tests, line by line 7:53 The flip - where the income test takes over 8:54 $200,000 in super vs $400,000 in the home 10:34 What you can do if you're single or both over 67 12:37 The trade-offs 13:55 The whole video in one line WHAT'S IN THIS ONE: - The rule the whole video hangs on: Centrelink doesn't count what your super earns. It assumes 3.75% and tests that. - The two tests, and why you're always paid the LOWER of the two - The four types of super and how each is treated - accumulation under 67, accumulation over 67, TTR pension, account-based pension - plus the defined benefit exception - Deeming, properly: the rates, the thresholds, the ladder from 0.25% to 1.75% in twelve months, and what is and isn't deemed - The four numbers that run the entire calculation (screenshot that table) - Helen and Peter, line by line, both tests - and why they lost $1,621 a year without a dollar changing hands - THE FLIP: the band of financial assets where the income test, not the assets test, sets your payment (about $334,000-$505,000 for a homeowner couple, $192,000-$345,000 single) and what every extra $1,000 costs you inside it - The promise from last video, paid off with real numbers: $200,000 into super costs them $10,547 a year of pension. $400,000 into the house would have cost nothing. - What's still on the table if you're single or both over 67: contents valuation, the home, funeral bonds, lifetime annuities, gifting limits - The trade-offs, honestly: tax, access, costs, comfort, and the means-tested payments this also applies to If one of you is under 67, the biggest lever of all is in "4 Legal Ways to Boost Your Age Pension" - linked above and on the end screen. I don't repeat it here. I checked every figure against the Department of Social Services 20 September 2026 rates list and the Australian Government Actuary's deeming determination. Services Australia's own pages will show the older rates until the 20th. GENERAL ADVICE DISCLAIMER This video is general information only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it is not personal financial advice. Rates and thresholds change - the figures quoted are those applying from 20 September 2026. Before acting on anything here, speak to a licensed financial adviser about your own circumstances. A note on how this is made: Every script starts with real research and is checked against current ATO and Services Australia figures - that part isn't automated. AI tools produce the narration and visuals. I write, verify, and stand behind every word. Thanks for being here. #AussieWealth #Superannuation #RetirementAustralia #AgePension #Centrelink #DeemingRates #IncomeTest #RetirementPlanning