Thousands of Australians are finding out that they could have gotten government payments but never applied for them. Unclaimed benefits, like Age Pension supplements, rent help, and concession-linked benefits, are leaving money on the table.
A lot of people only realise after talking to friends, using online calculators, or getting reassessment notices. In some cases, back payments are made after eligibility is confirmed.
This is why so many Australians miss out, and here’s how to find out if you’re one of them.
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Why People Don’t Claim Payments
Some of the most common reasons Australians miss out are:
Thinking that income or assets are too high
Not knowing that rent help is automatically available if you qualify
Not sure who can get a part-pension
Not knowing about extra things
Thinking that super balances automatically disqualify them
It’s not always easy to understand the rules for who can get benefits, especially for couples or people who work part-time.
Payments that are often missed
Some of the most common rights that people forget about are:
Part Age Pension
Help with rent from the Commonwealth
Allowance for Carers
Supplements for energy
Benefits linked to concessions
Even a partial payment can open up more discounts and deals.
How Many People Are Surprised by Part-Pension Eligibility
According to the income and asset tests:
Payments go down little by little
Many people think thresholds are lower than they really are.
Couples are looked at together.
Financial assets are subject to deeming rules.
Some Australians who think they make too much money may still be able to get a lower rate.
Claimants’ Real-Life Experiences
Michael, 68, from Sydney, thought he couldn’t get it because he had savings.
He said, “A friend told me to look.” “I ended up getting a partial pension.”
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A widow in Adelaide found out months after signing a new lease that she could get help with her rent.
These kinds of cases happen a lot.
Why More People Are Aware in 2026
There are a number of reasons why interest is growing again:
Increasing costs of living
Increasing thresholds for indexation
Eligibility calculators on the internet
Media coverage of changes to pensions
Networks of advice in the community
As the thresholds go up, some Australians who didn’t qualify before may now be able to.
What the Government Says
Even if they think they don’t qualify, officials want Australians to check their eligibility.
Services Australia says that applications start a formal review and that being eligible for a part-pension can give you access to discounts.
What You Need to Do Now
If you think you might qualify:
Use official tools to check if you qualify
Look over the details of your income and assets.
Check to see if you qualify for rent help.
Make sure that super balances are reported correctly.
If you’re not sure, send in an application.
Even a small entitlement can lead to more money help.
