A common question for those nearing or in retirement is ‘How much can a pensioner earn before it affects the pension?’ The answer is that it depends on how much income you earn and the total value of your assets, excluding the family home. What is included in the Age Pension income test? You and your partner’s gross income from all sources could include any of the following: 1. Any employment income you may have received 2. Any investment income you may have received, including any pension income stream from your super fund, as well as rental property income and share dividends. 3. Any voluntary super contributions that you may make 4. Any income you may have received from being a sole trader or a partner in a business. 5. Certain types of lump sum payments you may have received If any of the income you or your partner has received is from overseas sources, the amounts will be converted to an equivalent Australian dollar value using current exchange rates. Romulae Gadaoni Accountant/Financial Adviser Tax Agent/Tax (Financial) Adviser