Key Financial changes In 2026 –
Are you impacted?
Staying informed is very important. The following changes may impact you. If they do you, may wish to call us to chat further on 1300 655 096.
- The aged pension income and assets thresholds update three times per year. The upper thresholds increase on 20 March and 20 September while the lower threshold rise once annually on the 1 July. Centrelink will adjust accordingly so there is no need to complete any formal updates. The Centrelink age pension is available at age 67. You may apply 13 weeks before reaching this age
- Deeming rates may move in 2026. They are currently 2.75%. This may impact how your financial investments are assessed, and therefore impact Age Pension entitlements.
- From 1 January 2026 the maximum co-payment for Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for general customers fell from $31.60 to $25.00 per script – the lowest level in 20 years. The concessional rate remains at $7.70 with no changes. Concessional cards typically include the pensioner concession care( PCC) and the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card ( CSHC) for eligible self-funded retirees and the Low-income Health Care Card. These cards will continue at the concessional rate of $7.70
- Changes to the new Aged Care Act were implemented on the 1 November 2025 and now apply to all residential home care packages and aged care facilities. These changes are complex; we will assist you with any questions you may have if you are looking for Aged Care for a loved one.
- From the 1 July 2026 employers must pay Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions each pay cycle rather than quarterly and payments must reach your super fund within 7 days of payday. The Super Guarantee rate (SG) will remain at 12% with no further proposed increases at this time.