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Work Bonus
Allows Age Pension and certain other payment recipients to earn income from work without it fully reducing their pension — up to $300/fortnight is disregarded.
Indicative amount
Up to $300/fortnight disregarded from income test
Indicative amount only — confirm on the official page
What you get
The first $300/fortnight of employment income is not counted in the income test. Unused portions accumulate in a Work Bonus bank of up to $11,800, allowing bursts of higher earnings without penalty.
Who it's for
Relevant life events: retirement
How to apply
1. No application needed — the Work Bonus is automatically applied to eligible recipients of the Age Pension, Carer Payment, or Disability Support Pension. 2. Declare your employment income to Services Australia as usual.
You will be taken to www.servicesaustralia.gov.au
Last reviewed by AusSchemes: 20 April 2026