How Much Can You Earn on the Age Pension in 2026? The Work Bonus Explained

You can earn $300 a fortnight from work, and the Age Pension won't count a cent of it. And if you're not working, that allowance quietly saves up - to as much as $11,800. Here's how the Work Bonus works, how much you can earn before the pension stops, and when working changes nothing. Free download: The Australian Retirement Readiness Checklist – 48 things to check before you stop working: https://aussiewealthwithemma.com.au Subscribe to get all the latest videos and information: https://www.youtube.com/@aussiewealthwithemma?sub_confirmation=1 TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Earn $300 a fortnight, not counted 0:51 Who gets the Work Bonus 1:23 How it works 2:05 A worked example 2:29 What counts as work income 2:45 The Work Bonus balance 3:45 A casual job over Christmas 4:10 How much you can earn before it stops 4:27 Couples 4:49 Self-employed 5:26 When working changes nothing 6:31 If work takes your pension to $0 7:21 Reporting your pay 8:01 The Work Bonus on one card 8:13 In one breath WHAT'S IN THIS ONE (rates from 20 September 2026) - The first $300 a fortnight of work income isn't counted in the Age Pension income test - you don't apply; Centrelink applies it when you report your pay - Who gets it: Age Pension age (67) on the Age Pension, or on Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment at that age - not the transitional rate - What it's worth: up to $150 a fortnight in pension if you're already on a part pension - What counts: wages, paid leave while still employed, director's fees, work overseas, and self-employment where you actively do the work - not investments, rentals, super, or a leave payout after the job ends - The Work Bonus balance: the unused amount builds up to $11,800; first-time claims start with $4,000 - How much you can earn before the pension stops: about $3,001.40 a fortnight for a single person with no other income, once the balance is used up - Couples: each pensioner of pension age gets their own; you can't use yours on your partner's wages, but it lowers your combined income - The catch: the Work Bonus only works on the income test - if the assets test sets your pension, a little work may change nothing - If work takes your pension to $0: more than 12 fortnights in a row and it's suspended for up to 2 years, not cancelled, and you keep your Pensioner Concession Card - Report your gross pay - before tax - every fortnight you're asked to THE EXAMPLES ARE ILLUSTRATIVE: Pam is a single homeowner with about $243,600 in savings and investments (deemed at $300 a fortnight) who earns $640 a fortnight and has no Work Bonus balance left: about $1,030.70 a fortnight with the Work Bonus, $880.70 without. The Christmas job is five fortnights at $1,200 with a full balance. Rates and the income cut-off from 20 September 2026; income-free areas from 1 July 2026. Related videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZHlbePWFkc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9uc-4YzXhw&t=48s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHdfbRpC-PY&t=611s&pp=0gcJCTcMAYcqIYzv 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. Centrelink outcomes depend on your circumstances; check your position with Services Australia or speak with a licensed financial adviser before acting. 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 #WorkBonus #Centrelink #IncomeTest #RetirementPlanning