rickp

18 hours ago, giddyup said:

Also I'm a bit dubious as to how hot that Masterfoods brand is.

Oh, it's hot alright! As in, tears-to-the-eyes-clear-out-the-sinuses hot!

Excellent on pastrami.

This web page shows the rules for getting the aged pension outside Australia:

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/age-pension-while-travelling-outside-australia

The rule relating to the pension rate received after being out of Australia for more than 26 weeks is being changed; it will reduce after 6 weeks, if you have lived in Australia less than 35 years. The bill has been approved, but it's not actually law yet, so 26 weeks applies at the moment. I don't think it will be for much longer though.

Following on from what NorK said, you only get A$820.60 per fortnight (A$21,336 p.a.) if you have lived in Australia for a minimum of 35 years. Fewer than 35 years, and you get a pro rata amount, eg, 30 years gets you about A$703.40 per fortnight. Maybe that won't affect you.

Although (1) seems logical, if you are a pensioner liable to pay UK income tax, that will be calculated on residency status, which is based on the tax year. So maybe it's (2). I'm also having difficulty finding the info online. It's probably easier to phone the International Pensions Centre.