From 20 September 2026 Published per year
Pension Supplement Rates
The pension supplement is a component of your fortnightly pension, but the government publishes it per year — which is why the numbers look bigger than you expect. The basic amount inside it is what decides why two payments with similar rates pay differently.
Current rates — per year
| Family circumstance | Pension supplement |
|---|---|
| Single | $2,293.20 a year |
| Partnered (each) | $1,729.00 a year |
| Illness separated, respite care, or partner in prison (each) | $2,293.20 a year |
These are annual figures. They are paid to you as part of your fortnightly pension, not as a lump sum — a common misreading of the government’s tables.
The four amounts inside the supplement
| Family circumstance | Supplement | Minimum amount | Basic amount | Remaining amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $2,293.20 | $1,235.00 | $798.20 | $260.00 |
| Partnered (each) | $1,729.00 | $930.80 | $657.80 | $140.40 |
| Illness separated, respite care, or partner in prison (each) | $2,293.20 | $1,235.00 | $798.20 | $260.00 |
All amounts are per year. The basic amount is the part that a working-age recipient receives instead of the full supplement — it is why a single person on Parenting Payment is not simply paid the same as a single Age Pensioner, even though the headline pension rate looks identical.
When it is not paid
The pension supplement is paid while you are residing in Australia, or temporarily absent for up to 12 weeks. Beyond that it stops, as does the energy supplement. That is why the reduced "living overseas" rate on the Age Pension page is lower — it is the maximum basic rate without the supplements attached.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the pension supplement?
$2,293.20 a year for a single person and $1,729.00 a year for each member of a couple, from 20 September 2026. It is included in the fortnightly pension rate you are paid, not paid separately.
Why are these figures so much bigger than the pension?
Because they are annual and the pension rate everyone quotes is fortnightly. The supplement is a component of the pension, published on a yearly basis in the government’s tables.
What is the pension supplement basic amount?
A smaller component — $798.20 a year for a single person. Working-age recipients get the basic amount instead of the full supplement, which is the main reason two payments can look identical on paper but pay differently.
Is it indexed?
Yes, on 20 March and 20 September each year in line with the CPI. It is not benchmarked against average weekly earnings, unlike the pension itself.
Does it stop if I go overseas?
It stops after 12 weeks of temporary absence, and the energy supplement stops after 6 weeks. Your pension continues at the reduced basic rate.
Rates from the Department of Social Services — Social Security Guide (1.342 (21 September 2026)), checked 12 October 2026. General information only — your actual entitlement is assessed by Services Australia.