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James Coyle

James has over 35 years experience in financial services with particular expertise in two of the key components of retirement finance - Superannuation and the Age Pension. He is passionate about providing the guidance and support that can help older Australians enjoy their best possible retirement. He lives in regional Victoria surrounded by dogs and chooks.

7 Comments

Bruce from Central coast on November 19, 2020 at 5:44 pm

I am 68, married, and receive a super pension. I didn’t think I was entitled to an age pension (from when I turned 65) and so didn’t lodge a claim.

(I didn’t expect a greeting card from Centerlink at age 65 but it would have been nice to receive some sort of information alerting me to possible assistance and entitlements).

I have only recently found that I can claim an age pension and have done so. It will be effected by my Super but should put a few more dollars in my pocket.

I’m a bit annoyed that I have missed out on 3 years of income that would have greatly assisted my living expenses.

So, to any readers who receive a super pension; don’t make my mistake. Three (3) yrs of extra assistance is an expensive lesson.

James Coyle on November 20, 2020 at 3:15 pm

Thanks for your comment Bruce. We see a lot of people that make this expensive mistake. As you pointed out you won’t get that money back as Centrelink won’t backdate payments, even if you were eligible all that time. It never hurts to check your eligibility which you can do here
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Jaime on April 20, 2021 at 1:26 pm

Hi
My husband has reached his retirement age and I am not. I just want to find out, does my superannuation include in he calculation of investment/asset

James Coyle on April 20, 2021 at 1:52 pm

Hi Jaime. If you are not receiving an income from your super then your superannuation does not count in his calculation/assessment until you reach age pension age- but you should still declare it
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- Jaime on April 21, 2021 at 9:24 am
  
  Thanks James for your quick reply

Grahame on December 7, 2021 at 3:36 pm

Hi,
I am 66 and my wife 63. For the past 45years my wife has been financially dependent on me and still is. Is there any way we can claim a full couple pension before my wife reaches 67.

Steven Sadler on December 16, 2021 at 10:11 am

Hi Grahame, thank you for reaching out. The guidelines for Age Pension eligibility are very black and white. There is no option for you or your wife to receive her portion of the Age Pension prior to her turning of age. If your wife’s dependence on you is due to injury or illness then you may be able to apply for Disability or Carer payments however it would be best to speak with Centrelink directly about this on 132 717 Monday to Friday from 8am-5pm.
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