Age Pension and shares
How are shares treated for the Age Pension?
Listed shares are market linked financial investments. Their value counts in the assets test, using the last selling price on the exchange, and the income test applies the deeming rules. Services Australia revalues them on 20 March and 20 September each year and when you ask. Source: Services Australia, financial investments; Guide to Social Security Law 4.6.5.40, read 28 Sep 2026.
What do I have to report about my shares?
Changes to them within 14 days: buying or selling, receiving bonus shares, and anything else that changes the total number of shares the online form asks for. A price movement is not on the list. Source: Guide to Social Security Law 3.4.1.50; Services Australia, online account help for updating shares; Services Australia, managing your Age Pension payment, read 28 Sep 2026.
Worked example
A retiree on a part Age Pension buys 400 EXA on Wed 1 Jul 2026. Day 14 is Wed 15 Jul 2026, a working day, so the report-by date is Wed 15 Jul 2026 (national holidays only; set your state and its public holidays move it too). Between revaluations, the number of shares is what the client keeps up to date; the value is Services Australia's to refresh.
The rule. Report a change in shares within 14 days. Named in the sources: a buy, a sale, bonus shares. Any other change to the total number of shares the form asks for: report or confirm. A price movement is not on the list; listed shares are revalued on 20 March and 20 September. Every rule and its source.
What it takes. Trade lines only: date, code, buy or sell, quantity. Recognised account and holder numbers are removed; nothing leaves your browser until you save.
Who publishes it. The Art of Service, not affiliated with Services Australia; not financial advice. Check a history.