KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Claims about Australia increasing the pension age are spreading online — but they’re false.
- The Age Pension age remains 67, with no government plans to raise it.
- Aussies are warned not to trust viral Centrelink stories seen on Google Discover.
If you’ve seen headlines claiming Australia is increasing the retirement age — you’re not alone. Over the past few weeks, plenty of Aussies have been confused (and frankly stressed) by stories suggesting the Centrelink Age Pension age is going up.
Despite viral posts, dodgy websites, and even incorrect summaries appearing in Google searches, the Age Pension age in Australia is still 67 — and the government has confirmed there are no plans to change it.
Where Did These Claims Come From?
A wave of online articles recently claimed the “official retirement age” would increase from 67 to 68, with dates like November 10 or November 23 being thrown around. Some of these stories even said the change would affect over 700,000 seniors.
The problem? None of it was real.
What made things worse is that some of this misinformation briefly appeared in Google’s AI Overview and Discover feeds, giving the claims an air of legitimacy before they were corrected.
| Claim Circulating Online | What’s Actually True |
|---|---|
| Pension age rising to 68 | ❌ False |
| Change starting November 2024 | ❌ False |
| Official announcement made | ❌ False |
| Age Pension still 67 | ✅ True |
| Government planning changes | ❌ No plans |
Government Confirms: No Change to Age Pension Age
A spokesperson from the Department of Social Services has clearly shut down the rumours.
They confirmed that the Age Pension eligibility age is 67, and there are no government plans to raise it further.
One important detail many people miss: while the pension age is 67, you’re allowed to apply up to 13 weeks early. That part is real — but it doesn’t mean the age itself is changing.
Also worth noting: Australia doesn’t have a fixed retirement age. You can retire whenever you like. The Age Pension simply becomes available once you meet the age and eligibility rules.
Why Fake Centrelink News Keeps Spreading
This isn’t a one-off issue. In recent weeks, multiple fake Centrelink and pension stories have ranked among the most-read articles on Google Discover.
Some claimed:
- “Goodbye to retiring at 67”
- “New pension age officially announced”
- “One-off Centrelink bonus payments for seniors”
According to Services Australia, many of these claims are completely made up — including fake cost-of-living bonuses and payments that either don’t exist or ended years ago.
Even Google has acknowledged the issue, saying its systems can sometimes misinterpret web content and that corrections are made when problems are identified.
This Isn’t Just an Australian Problem
Similar misinformation has popped up overseas too. In the UK, false stories about state pension age changes and new driving licence rules for over-62s went viral through Google Discover before being debunked.
So honestly speaking, if a headline sounds shocking, urgent, or too dramatic — it’s worth double-checking.
How to Protect Yourself from Fake Pension News
For most Aussies, the safest rule is simple:
- Only trust official sources
- Check updates directly on the Services Australia website
- Be cautious of articles promising “one-off bonuses” or sudden rule changes
- Don’t rely solely on social media or AI-generated summaries
No need to overthink it — if the government actually changed the pension age, it would be everywhere, not just on obscure websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Age Pension age increasing from 67 to 68?
No. The Age Pension age remains 67, and the government has confirmed there are no plans to raise it.
Can I still apply for the Age Pension before turning 67?
Yes. You can apply up to 13 weeks before you turn 67, but payments only start once you reach the eligible age.
Where should I check if Centrelink news is real?
Always check directly with Services Australia or official government announcements. If it’s not listed there, be very cautious.
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