Questions by country
Browse common pension questions
The questions retirees ask most, grouped by country. Pick any question to open the matching Ask page and get a short, source-linked answer — Australia uses the Services Australia figures correct as at 20 March 2025, and the Philippines checks the official SSS, GSIS and DSWD pages live.
Australia — Age Pension
Questions about the Age Pension, the assets and income tests, deeming and the Work Bonus.
How does the assets test work?
Services Australia reduces your pension once your assets pass a threshold that depends on whether you own your home and your relationship status.
How much can I have in assets and still get the full pension?
The full-pension asset limits differ for homeowners and non-homeowners, and for singles and couples.
What is the Work Bonus and how much can I earn?
The Work Bonus lets pensioners earn from work before it counts under the income test.
How does deeming work on my savings?
Deeming assumes your financial assets earn a set rate, whatever they actually earn.
When do I reach Age Pension age?
Age Pension age depends on your date of birth.
Does my home count in the assets test?
The family home is generally exempt, with rules for land and time away from home.
Philippines — SSS, GSIS & social pension
Questions about SSS and GSIS retirement pensions, the DSWD social pension and senior citizen benefits.
How is my SSS pension computed?
SSS pays the highest of three formulas based on your average monthly salary credit and credited years.
How many contributions do I need for an SSS pension?
A monthly pension needs at least 120 monthly contributions before the semester of retirement.
Can I get my SSS pension at 60?
Optional retirement is possible at 60 if you are separated from work; it is mandatory at 65.
What are the GSIS retirement options?
GSIS offers a 5-year lump sum with the pension starting after, or a cash payment with the pension starting immediately.
Who can get the ₱1,000 social pension?
The DSWD social pension is for indigent senior citizens aged 60 and over with no regular income or other pension.
What discounts do senior citizens get?
Filipinos aged 60 and over with an OSCA ID get a 20% discount and VAT exemption on many goods and services.
Researched and fact-checked by
researches Australian retirement and social security policy full time. Not a licensed financial adviser — every figure on this page is sourced from Services Australia or the Social Security Act 1991 (Cth).
Last reviewed: 15 September 2026
Figures as at: 20 March 2025
Next indexation: 20 September 2026
Change log: Question hub reviewed 15 September 2026; Australian figures correct as at 20 March 2025, Philippine figures as at 12 October 2026.