Imagine finding out you missed out on $75,000 in retirement benefits simply because you delayed filling out some forms. That’s exactly what happened to one Australian retiree who applied for the Age Pension three years late. He’s not alone – experts have warned that “applying late may be one of the most expensive mistakes” a retiree can make. If you’re nearing retirement age, it’s worth asking: Is it ever too late to apply for the Age Pension – and what’s the price of waiting?

In this article, we’ll unpack the surprising truths about claiming the Age Pension, bust a few myths that stop people from applying, highlight common mistakes in the application process, and share tips to maximize your entitlements.

No Official Deadline, But Delay Could Cost You Dearly​

Let’s start with the big question: Is there such a thing as “too late” to apply for the Age Pension? Technically, no – as long as you meet the eligibility requirements (more on those shortly), you can apply at any time. “The short answer is: you can apply at any time once you meet the eligibility requirements,” confirms one retirement advice site.

However, there’s a catch: “the longer you wait, the more Age Pension you might miss out on”. In other words, you won’t get paid for the time you could have been on the pension but weren’t.

Unlike a fine wine, an unclaimed pension doesn’t improve with age. Centrelink does not automatically back-pay your pension to the date you first became eligible. The only back payments you can get are from the date you register an “intent to claim” – essentially, letting Centrelink know you plan to apply. If you haven’t at least registered your intent, any months (or years) that pass by are payments you’ll never recover. As a financial columnist bluntly put it, “there is no backpay on a late application”.

To illustrate, consider a hypothetical (but common) scenario: Gary turns pension age (currently 67) in January and qualifies based on his income and assets. Unsure of the rules, Gary doesn’t apply – he thinks his superannuation might be too high and doesn’t want to waste anyone’s time. Six months later, he finally submits a claim in July. Because Gary never lodged an intent to claim earlier, his payments only start from July, not back in January, so he essentially forfeits six months’ worth of pension payments. Had he simply registered his intent to claim around his birthday, he could have gotten those six months paid retroactively. Multiply that by the fortnightly pension rate and you’re looking at thousands of dollars left on the table.

Source: Seniors Discount Club

Now picture that on a larger scale. Research shows only 44% of Age Pensioners apply on time; 32% apply more than one year late, and 16% apply more than three years late. Many retirees don’t claim the pension the moment they’re eligible – and the reasons vary (we’ll get to those). But the financial hit can be significant.

Retirement advisers from one firm noted clients who delayed and “los[t] tens of thousands of dollars” by not applying as soon as they could. They even estimate that all this delayed claiming adds up to billions in lost entitlements across Australia. The Age Pension might not be a winning lottery ticket, but for many seniors it can mean the difference between just scraping by and a modestly comfortable retirement – so missing out on payments you’re entitled to is a serious setback.

The bottom line: It’s never “too late” to put in a claim, but every month you wait is a month of payments you can’t get back. Better late than never, yes – but better never late at all when it comes to your Age Pension.

Why Are Retirees Delaying? Myths, Misconceptions and Missed Chances​

If delaying is so costly, why do so many people put off claiming the Age Pension? It turns out there are a few common roadblocks and misconceptions at play.

1. “I probably wouldn’t be eligible anyway.”

This doubt stops a lot of folks from even checking. In fact, 40% of Australians over 50 don’t know whether they’d be eligible for the Age Pension, according to research by AMP. Some assume they have too many assets or too high an income to qualify, or they think their super balance disqualifies them. Others don’t realise things have changed – for instance, means-test thresholds (the limits on income and assets) tend to rise over time, and your own assets often drop as you spend in retirement, meaning you might become eligible later even if you weren’t at 67.

“Many clients are surprised to learn how much they can have and still get a part payment,” says financial adviser Megan Rich. For example, as of 2025, a homeowner couple can have around $953,000 in assets (aside from the family home) and still get a small part-pension, and that limit is even higher for non-homeowners. Your super or investments might be within the limits without you realising, especially because certain assets are not counted at full value – e.g. your home is exempt, and super in pension mode is assessed by a deeming formula (which often “surprise you” in a good way regarding eligibility). The key is: don’t assume – check. You can use an online eligibility calculator or talk to Centrelink/financial counsellors to get clarity on whether you qualify.

Source: TODAY / YouTube​

2. “I’m still working (or my partner is), so I can’t get the pension yet.”

This is a myth – you do not have to be fully retired to receive Age Pension. “It is not a requirement that you are retired,” one planner explains. “You can still work and be eligible for the Age Pension if you meet the criteria.” In fact, many Australians continue part-time work while on a part Age Pension. There’s even a Work Bonus scheme that lets pensioners earn a certain amount from employment ($300 per fortnight, at last count) without reducing their pension. So if the only thing holding you back is “I still do a few days of work, I must be ineligible,” think again – you might still get a part pension.

Similarly, if your spouse is younger and still working, that doesn’t bar you from claiming once you hit age 67. Couples often assume both partners need to reach pension age before either can apply – wrong! The rules allow one eligible partner to start the pension while the other is not yet of age. Centrelink will assess your combined finances (so your partner’s income and assets count in the means test), but it’s absolutely possible for one of you to get paid even if the other is years away from pension age. In fact, there’s a quirk here that can work in your favour: if your partner is under 67 and has superannuation in accumulation (not yet tapped for an income stream), that super is not counted as an asset for your pension eligibility until your partner themselves reaches pension age. Some savvy couples take advantage of this by adjusting how they hold assets – it’s a legal way to potentially qualify for a higher pension amount while one partner’s super remains untouched. The takeaway: Don’t let “I’m still working” or “my spouse isn’t retired” stop you from checking your rights. As long as you are of age and meet residency and means tests, it’s worth exploring a claim.

3. “The paperwork and Centrelink process are just too hard.”

We’ve all heard horror stories of navigating Centrelink’s bureaucracy – long forms, time on hold, uploading documents – it can feel daunting. You’re not imagining it: half of people find the Age Pension hard to apply for, and 80% would like some help doing it. This challenge can lead to procrastination – weeks turn into months, then years. Some seniors have an “aversion to administration” or feel overwhelmed by the complexity of means testing.

If that sounds like you, know that you’re in good company and that help is available. You can have a family member, friend or professional assist you with the application. There are financial information services and community centers, and even your super fund might offer guidance (research found many retirees would prefer their super fund’s help with claiming the pension). There are also specialist services (like Retirement Essentials, mentioned in some sources) that, for a fee or sometimes free, guide you through the forms. It’s okay to ask for help – “applications can be time-consuming and confusing. It’s okay to ask for help to make sure you’re not missing out,” one service reminds seniors. The key is not to let paperwork paralysis cost you money every fortnight.


4. “I feel bad taking a government handout – other people need it more.”

This one is more emotional, but it’s real. Some older Australians feel a sense of pride or even guilt around claiming the pension, especially if they’ve been self-sufficient. You might think you’re doing the right thing by “not being a burden.” However, consider this: the Age Pension is an entitlement, not a handout. It exists because, after decades of working and paying taxes, Australians earn the right to income support in later life if needed. It’s also incredibly common – by age 80, about 80% of Australians are on either a full or part Age Pension. In fact, for more than half of Aussie retirees, the pension makes up over half of their income in retirement. So you’re absolutely not alone in needing it.

Feeling guilty shouldn’t hold you back from claiming what the law says is yours. If you qualify, you qualify – taking it doesn’t deprive someone else. (The program is not a fixed pie; it’s an entitlement program funded by general revenue.) Remember: by not claiming when you’re eligible, the only person you’re hurting is yourself – as seen, the government won’t come knocking to force money into your hand later.

All these factors – confusion about eligibility, working status, paperwork dread, or misplaced guilt – contribute to people delaying their claims. Understanding the truth can empower you or your loved ones to take action sooner rather than later. And as we’ve shown, sooner is better for your wallet.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls in the Application Process​

Okay, let’s say you’ve decided to go for it – you won’t delay any longer. What should you watch out for when navigating the Age Pension application? Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Not applying early enough (or at the right time): We’ve hammered this point, but it’s worth repeating as a “pitfall.” You actually can submit your Age Pension application up to 13 weeks before you turn 67. Centrelink allows this head start so that by the time you hit the qualifying age, your paperwork can be processed and you can get paid ASAP. If your birthday is coming up, mark a date 3 months prior to start the application – don’t wait until after you turn 67. If you do apply after you reach pension age, there’s no backpay to your birthday beyond maybe a small grace period. As one planner warns, “there will be no back pay if you procrastinate and would have been entitled to a payment sooner than the date you lodged your application.” In short: Apply early, or at least register your intent to claim as soon as you’re eligible. Procrastination can literally cost you money that’s otherwise yours.

• Assuming you have to do it all at once: A related tip – if you’re struggling to get all your documents ready, you can lodge an “intent to claim” even before your full application is complete. This locks in your start date for payment purposes. From the day you register that intent, you’ll typically get 14 weeks to gather paperwork and finish the application. If approved, Centrelink will backpay your pension to the date of your intent lodgment. This is a huge safety net. It means you can secure your place in the queue, so to speak, and not lose out just because, say, you’re waiting on a bank statement or a proof of identity. Don’t let missing paperwork delay the whole thing – lodge the intent, then follow up with documents. Many seniors aren’t aware of this, but it’s an important strategy to avoid losing entitlements due to administrative delays.

Source: Australian Retirement Trust / YouTube​

• Making errors or omissions on the application: The Age Pension form will ask for detailed information about your income, assets, living situation, etc. Mistakes here can slow things down or even lead to a rejection that then has to be appealed. One frequent error experts highlight is double-reporting your superannuation – for example, listing a super account both as an asset (which you should) and also listing the income you draw from it as “income,” thereby counting it twice. Centrelink either deems the income from your super account (if it’s an account-based pension) or counts the asset value, depending on the scenario, but you shouldn’t manually count it in both sections. Another example: some people accidentally over-report their assets by using the wrong value. A common pitfall is thinking you must declare your house contents, car, or personal belongings at their insured value or original purchase price. In reality, Centrelink wants the garage sale value – what you’d get if you sold those items today (likely much less). Overestimating can make it look like you have more assets than you do. On the flip side, under-reporting something or forgetting an account can cause issues down the track. Double-check your entries, and don’t hesitate to get a second pair of eyes (perhaps a family member or a Centrelink officer) to review before you submit. If you think Centrelink made an error in assessing your claim, the first advice is always to review your application for mistakes or missing info – it’s often a simple fix.

• Not providing all required documents (or missing deadlines): To process your claim, Centrelink will ask for proof of identity, residency, bank accounts, investment holdings, maybe super statements, etc. If they come back to you asking for more info, be mindful: you usually have 13 weeks to send in whatever is missing. If you don’t meet that deadline, your application could be closed and you’d have to start over from scratch. That’s definitely something to avoid. So try to submit all requested documents together, promptly. Use the checklist provided in the claim or on the Centrelink website. Many delays occur because forms were incomplete or a supporting document (like a birth certificate copy or overseas pension statement) was left out. Keep an eye on your MyGov account or mailbox for any notifications from Centrelink after you apply, and respond quickly. By being thorough the first time, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle and get your payments sooner.

• Failing to update Centrelink on changes: This is more about after you’re on the pension, but it’s worth noting. If your circumstances change (you sell an asset, you start a part-time job, you move house, etc.), you are required to inform Centrelink within 14 days. Don’t assume they somehow “just know.” They typically don’t get automatic updates from banks or the tax office in real-time – it’s on you to keep your details current. If you delay telling them and they overpay you, you might have to pay money back; if they were underpaying you, they’ll only adjust from when you report the change, not backdated to when it happened. In short, staying on top of reporting will ensure you keep receiving what you’re entitled to and avoid debt issues or interruptions.

One more “pitfall” to mention: giving up too easily. If your application gets denied and you believe you actually should qualify, don’t be afraid to question it. Sometimes people are technically eligible but didn’t fill something out correctly or misunderstood a question. If that happens, you can request a review or even appeal the decision.

Also, if you truly don’t qualify right now (perhaps your assets are just a tad too high), make a note to check again in the future. As we discussed, thresholds can change (usually they increase each year with inflation adjustments), and your own financial situation can change too. A few years (or even months) down the line, you might become eligible. Many retirees who initially weren’t on the pension end up going on it later in life as their savings dwindle. Keep that door open – it’s not one-and-done forever. As one government advice site notes, “your eligibility can also change over time, so it’s worth checking again if your circumstances change”.

Strategies to Maximise Your Entitlements​

Getting the Age Pension is one thing; making sure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to is another. Here are some strategies and tips to ensure you’re getting the most out of the system (legally, of course):

• Lock in your start date (intent to claim): We’ve already covered this, but it bears repeating as a strategy. The moment you’re approaching eligibility, consider lodging that intent to claim to secure the earliest possible start date for payments. Even if you’re still gathering paperwork or sorting out finances, this step can be a lifesaver. It’s essentially free insurance against delays – you don’t lose anything by registering intent (you’re not obligated to follow through if you changed your mind), but you potentially gain a lot in back-paid entitlements once approved. Think of it as taking a deli number at Centrelink: you’re in the queue, even if you’re not ready to place your full order yet.

Source: gpointstudio / Freepik

• Know the myths vs rules (and plan accordingly): Being informed about the rules lets you plan your finances to your advantage. For example, knowing about the Work Bonus means you could take that enjoyable two-days-a-week job at Bunnings or do some consulting without worrying that every extra dollar will cut into your pension. The Work Bonus currently lets you earn up to $300 a fortnight from work (even more if you’ve accrued unused bonus credits) before the income test starts reducing your pension. That’s on top of the normal income test free area. This could effectively allow you to keep a part-time income and the pension simultaneously. Another example: knowing the asset test exemptions can guide your decisions – e.g., your principal home is exempt from the assets test, so investing in fixing the house or upgrading your living situation won’t hurt your pension (in fact, some retirees choose to renovate or pre-pay certain expenses as a way to reduce assessable assets while improving their quality of life). Some also use funeral bonds or prepaid funerals (up to allowable limits) as these are either exempt or advantaged in the means test. And remember the earlier point: if you have a younger partner, keeping their super in accumulation phase until they reach 67 keeps it out of the asset test for your pension. These kinds of tactics can be complex, so it may be worth getting financial advice for your specific situation. But generally, understanding the system means you won’t inadvertently miss out. As an adviser quipped, there are ways to “improve Age Pension benefits… and ways to reduce them”, so it pays for “members, and their advisers, to be aware”.

• Avoid common reduction traps: One trap is over-gifting. You might think, “If I give some of my savings to my kids now, I’ll have less assets and get a bigger pension.” The government is a step ahead of you – they have gifting rules. You’re allowed to give up to $10,000 per year (and no more than $30,000 over 5 years) without it affecting your pension. But if you gift beyond that, the excess amount is still counted as your asset (a “deprived asset” in Centrelink terms) for five years. So, by all means, help the family if you want – but don’t expect that giving large sums away will immediately boost your pension. It won’t, at least not for a number of years. Another trap is not declaring all eligible expenses or circumstances that could actually increase your payment. For instance, if you pay rent and get even a small pension, make sure you apply for Rent Assistance. It’s an extra payment on top of the pension for those who rent privately. If you qualify, it can be a few thousand dollars a year in your pocket. Centrelink usually assesses this during your claim – but you have to indicate you’re renting. Likewise, once you’re on the pension, you automatically get a Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) which unlocks a bunch of discounts (we’ll detail those next). Ensure you’re making use of those perks – they effectively maximize the value of your pension by reducing your out-of-pocket costs. The pension isn’t just cash; it’s a package of benefits.

• Take advantage of free help and information: The government provides free Financial Information Service (FIS) officers who can explain how the pension rules work if you book an appointment. There are also nonprofit counselling services for seniors. And, as noted, many super funds and retirement organizations offer seminars or consultations. One super fund, for example, partners with a service to guide members through the application process. Don’t hesitate to use these resources – after all, you’ve paid for them via your taxes or fees. Also, keep up with changes: rules can change with budgets (asset limits, deeming rates, etc., sometimes adjust). Staying informed through credible news (like this very article!) or services means you can act if something new benefits you. For instance, asset test limits usually go up in July each year – if a higher threshold suddenly brings you into eligibility, you’d want to know that right away. Or if deeming rates are lowered (as they have been in recent years), your assessable income might drop, meaning you could get a higher part-pension. Knowledge truly is power – and money – in this context.

• Consider the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) if you’re not eligible for a pension: What about those who find they really don’t qualify for the Age Pension due to higher income or assets? Perhaps you’re a self-funded retiree. You might think there’s nothing for you – but there is a valuable entitlement worth looking at. The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is available to older Australians of Age Pension age who don’t get a pension (or certain other payments) due to means. It doesn’t give you cash, but it gives you many of the same perks as pensioners: cheap prescriptions (PBS medicines), bulk-billed doctor visits (at participating GPs), and various state-based concessions (like reductions on energy bills, rates, and public transport). Crucially, the income limits for the CSHC were significantly raised recently. As of 2023-24, you can have an adjusted taxable income (plus deemable income from some investments) of up to ~$90,000 a year for singles or ~$144,000 for couples and still get the card. That change has swept many previously ineligible seniors into eligibility – including some quite wealthy retirees who live off tax-free super. In fact, an Australian Financial Review report noted that even a retiree with $10 million in assets could potentially qualify for the CSHC under the new rules (because they might have low taxable income), and that the card’s benefits were worth at least $60,000 over a retirement (and possibly much more depending on usage and state benefits). They also found over a million retirees who likely qualify for the CSHC haven’t claimed it. That’s a lot of seniors missing out on substantial savings. So, if you can’t get the pension, make sure you apply for the Seniors Health Card – it’s free and the application is simpler than the full pension (no assets test, just an income test based on taxable income). It won’t put cash in your bank, but it will save you money on essentials and health costs, which is just as good.

Source: Services Australia / YouTube​

• Maximize those pension perks: Lastly, if you do get even a $1 Age Pension, squeeze every bit of value from the associated perks. The Pensioner Concession Card that comes with the pension is a golden ticket to discounts. We’re talking cheaper medicines, discounted council rates, water and power bills, phone bills, car rego, public transport fares, and more – depending on your state/territory and local providers. Many pharmacies, utilities, and government services offer lower fees when you show that card. Even some private businesses give a “pensioner rate.” These savings can add up to thousands of dollars a year in your pocket. If you’re renting, as mentioned, there’s Rent Assistance on top. There are also schemes like the Home Equity Access Scheme (if you want to tap into home equity for extra income) that pensioners can use, and income tax exemptions – for example, Age Pension itself is income-tax free. The value of having that pension (even a part pension) is more than just the fortnightly deposit – it’s a bundle of support that can significantly ease your cost of living. Make sure you claim and use these extras. As one retirement site points out, it’s not just the fortnightly payments, but the “additional benefits” like the concession card and related discounts that make the effort of applying worthwhile. Think of it this way: if you found out you qualify for a seniors’ discount, you’d take it, right? The Age Pension is like qualifying for a whole range of discounts, plus some cash to help with your day-to-day expenses.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Leave Your Money on the Table​

Applying for the Age Pension can feel like a big step – even a daunting one – but if you’re eligible (or even might be), it’s a step worth taking sooner rather than later. There’s no prize for “toughing it out” without assistance you’re entitled to. On the contrary, as we’ve discussed, delaying your claim could literally cost you a small fortune over the long run. It’s your money – why not claim it?

Australia’s pension system is there as a safety net and a supplement for retirees, and it’s a central piece of most people’s retirement puzzle. It’s never truly “too late” to apply – people even in their 70s or 80s can and do successfully claim – but every year (or month) you wait is gone forever in terms of foregone payments. Even if you’ve waited years, don’t let that be a reason to never act. You might not recoup the past, but you can still improve your future. As one retirement specialist put it encouragingly, “sometimes it’s not too late – it’s just time to get started.”


So, if you’re approaching pension age or have passed it and haven’t applied, take a moment to consider your situation. Check your eligibility – it costs nothing to check. Talk to Centrelink or use an online calculator. Bust through those misconceptions (we’ve hopefully helped with that) and get the support you’re entitled to. And if you’re already on the pension, make sure you’re getting full value from it – use those concessions, avoid mistakes, and keep your information up to date.

A comfortable retirement in Australia is often described as a three-legged stool: your super savings, any private investments, and the Age Pension. If one leg is short, the stool can wobble. Don’t hobble yourself by ignoring a source of support you could receive. The Age Pension may not make you rich, but it can certainly make life a bit easier and provide peace of mind that you won’t outlive your savings.

In the end, it comes down to this simple question: Why leave money on the table that could be helping you enjoy your retirement? After all, you’ve earned the right to that “little extra” through a lifetime of contributions to society. It might just be the difference that lets you turn the heater on in winter without worry, cover your medical costs, or afford a trip to see the grandkids.

Disclaimer: This article contains general information only and doesn’t take your personal objectives, financial situation or needs into account. Please seek independent, qualified advice from a licensed financial adviser or Centrelink Financial Information Service officer, if needed.

READ MORE: What July 1 brings for Aussie seniors

 

[Suzanne rose]

I thought everyone knew it was a given that you only get paid centrelink from the date you apply !!

 

[mylittletibbies]

I thought everyone knew it was a given that you only get paid centrelink from the date you apply !!

Exactly. I can't believe that people leave things to the last minute and need weeks to sort out their "paperwork".
Surely you know when you are going to reach pension age and have everything up and ready to go.
I started getting everything in order well in advance
. Why wait until the last minute??

 

[falconxp]

You say that the pension is income tax free but that is not so. It is taxable income.

 

[mylittletibbies]

You say that the pension is income tax free but that is not so. It is taxable income.

Correct. It is added to my bank interest and then I am taxed on the lot.
The only way it is not taxed is if you are solely reliant on the pension and that's only because they pay such a lousy amount it's not enough to be taxable.

 

[kenrconn]

You say that the pension is income tax free but that is not so. It is taxable income.

It is taxable when combined with other income (dividends, interest, earnings) and takes you above the tax free threshold.

 

[Reet]

When I applied for my UK Pension it was several years after I had actually qualified for the Australian Pension. I applied through the Social Services office as I had been advised to do that but they in fact did nothing to help at all. I eventually rang the UK Pensions Office in England who were extremely helpful and they back dated it one year so I received the amount in one hit. The only problem with this is that the UK Pension is static and only goes up with the cost of living if you do not live in a commonwealth country!

 

[Reet]

Exactly. I can't believe that people leave things to the last minute and need weeks to sort out their "paperwork".
Surely you know when you are going to reach pension age and have everything up and ready to go.
I started getting everything in order well in advance
. Why wait until the last minute??

I had no idea I was going to retire when I did as I was diagnosed with cancer and as my job required someone there at all times and I had to go each day to hospital for treatment, my boss was forced to take someone else into my job as she spent most days in Court and the job required a person to look after her clients each day. So you see, mylittletibbies, not everyone can prepare for retirement when they have an illness when it requires them to retire unexpetedly!

 

[mylittletibbies]

I had no idea I was going to retire when I did as I was diagnosed with cancer and as my job required someone there at all times and I had to go each day to hospital for treatment, my boss was forced to take someone else into my job as she spent most days in Court and the job required a person to look after her clients each day. So you see, mylittletibbies, not everyone can prepare for retirement when they have an illness when it requires them to retire unexpetedly!

I totally agree with you, in your circumstances. But the article stated that 56% of people don't apply on time. That's an awful lot of disorganised people.

 

[Adrianwm]

We don't rent but pay board & lodging to our daughter whom we live with if we claim rent assistance will our daughter be penalised when she does her Tax returns as what we pay for board & lodging be counted as income for her Tax returns.

 

[mylittletibbies]

We don't rent but pay board & lodging to our daughter whom we live with if we claim rent assistance will our daughter be penalised when she does her Tax returns as what we pay for board & lodging be counted as income for her Tax returns.

My Google search states if parents pay board and lodging to their children this is classed as a domestic arrangement and they do not have to declare this for tax purposes.
You can only claim rent assistance on what is classed as the lodging part of the arrangement. They usually consider 2/3rds of the full amount as lodging.
If you were paying $300/ week $200 of that would be considered as lodging.

 

[HelenC]

I was working full time, so didn't think I was eligible for a pension. 3 months after my 65th birthday, I got a call from a young man in Centrelink, noting that I had not applied for my pension. When I explained why, he was a tad stringent with me, said he was sending me the necessary forms, and basically to get on with it! I felt a tad brow-beaten, but it seems that I was eligible for a part pension, as I was not earning enough, even though I was not being underpaid. I was shocked at the young man's attitude, but grateful that he called me.
That was over 10 years ago.

 

[LJ Cool]

I was working full time, so didn't think I was eligible for a pension. 3 months after my 65th birthday, I got a call from a young man in Centrelink, noting that I had not applied for my pension. When I explained why, he was a tad stringent with me, said he was sending me the necessary forms, and basically to get on with it! I felt a tad brow-beaten, but it seems that I was eligible for a part pension, as I was not earning enough, even though I was not being underpaid. I was shocked at the young man's attitude, but grateful that he called me.
That was over 10 years ago.

Wow Helen, you are so lucky ! That's the first time I've ever heard of that happening. Good for you