If you think the 2 year qualifying period for being resident in Australia after returning and claiming your OAP is hard and fast, then maybe it’s time to look at it and think again about how it might now affect you and an OAP claim submission.

The scenario below is my personal experience, and it’s likely only relevant to people planning to return and claim in the future, or those who have claimed their OAP in the last 6 months, since CenterLink International Services implemented their smart cavitation (calculator) tool and are sitting there now in Australia, who might on asking find like me that they can travel earlier than they expected.

Firstly, my timeline facts…

I returned earlier this year, 2026, ready to claim my OAP, then reluctantly stay the 2 years required for portability.

I commenced my OAP claim online from Thailand, and on arrival presented at C/L office as per my last submission task. Got the task completed by C/L agent, left the office and submitted my claim.

Answered a few extra requests for documents over the next week, then one week later was told my OAP claim was approved. MyGov showed me my future pension payments were loaded and due to start being paid within 3 weeks of return to Australia.

All good.

About 2 weeks later I rang in to try and fully understand the travel situation for me. So, to test things, I enquired about the ability to leave Australia for a short term, 2-3 weeks, to revisit Thailand (for a birthday) and I wanted to understand the impact of this on my OAP, would it be paid for a short term visit, would it be suspended during my absence, or would it be cancelled, and I would need to reclaim on return.

Imagine my surprise when they told me I could travel without impact, exactly when I requested, and without any impact to my OAP so long as I returned within 6 weeks. And they then explained it to me more fully, not just once, but also on two subsequent calls, and lastly they put it in writing after I had formally advised them of leaving on overseas travel.

As was explained to me in each of the calls, it’s all in the “cavitation” tool they use, and they are all directed by it.

Now, I wonder, who else has been similarly blessed amongst us?

As I know I can’t be luckily unique.

And even more importantly, if you’re sitting there dreading the 2 year period, and that is making you not go back to claim the OAP, can you also use the system to help you?

My situation as I determined it was that the cavitation tool looked favourably on me due to 3 factors.

• my OAP claim was simple and clearcut, as evidenced by very quick approval.

• my OAP claim was submitted well after I had reached qualifying age, nearly some 4 years after.

• I had returned to Australia briefly, just 6 days, in early 2024, and importantly within 2 years of my claim being lodged, and that was set by the tool as my return to Australia date, and started my 2 year portability countdown.

So, who else is a blessed one, and has a similar story?

Good result mate — and even better that you’ve got it in writing 👍

For others though, a lot just choose to play it safe and do the full 2 years “in-house.” That way there’s no exposure to policy tweaks or interpretation changes halfway through the detention period.

The ability to travel has always been there. If you stay for an period longer than the 6 weeks the time away is added to the 2 year requirement.

Nothing new there @TravelDivingAussie

2 hours ago, ozfarang said:

Nothing new there @TravelDivingAussie

OK.

Well it’s clearly not something well known and explained. Everyone and all the online information has been saying it’s pretty much a mandatory 2 years from return and claim submission date. So if it’s been known to be otherwise for a while, that they will pick an earlier existing visit date, then I must have missed that somewhere…

4 hours ago, GreasyFingers said:

The ability to travel has always been there. If you stay for an period longer than the 6 weeks the time away is added to the 2 year requirement.

How exactly that worked was what I was trying to find out with my enquiry, as nothing they’d provided me, or I’d found online had explained how that might have worked. In the end I didn’t need to avail of it thankfully…

7 minutes ago, TravelDivingAussie said:

How exactly that worked was what I was trying to find out with my enquiry, as nothing they’d provided me, or I’d found online had explained how that might have worked. In the end I didn’t need to avail of it thankfully…

Yes, the problem getting accurate information and advice is the problem. I found out after 3 unsuccessful appeals.

Good that you got something in writing but the critical word in what you circled is "may".

11 minutes ago, TravelDivingAussie said:

How exactly that worked was what I was trying to find out with my enquiry, as nothing they’d provided me, or I’d found online had explained how that might have worked. In the end I didn’t need to avail of it thankfully…

Just now, GreasyFingers said:

Yes, the problem getting accurate information and advice is the problem. I found out after 3 unsuccessful appeals.

Good that you got something in writing but the critical word in what you circled is "may".

AN server still having problems with double quotes.

22 minutes ago, TravelDivingAussie said:

hours ago, ozfarang said:

Nothing new there @TravelDivingAussie

OK.

Well it’s clearly not something well known and explained

Agree, thanks for your posting.

I'm sure there are many here interested in this subject.

On 5/11/2026 at 5:50 AM, GreasyFingers said:

The ability to travel has always been there. If you stay for an period longer than the 6 weeks the time away is added to the 2 year requirement.

Technically, could one fly back to Australia every 6 weeks, during the 2 years, and leave again the next day, and still qualify?

21 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Technically, could one fly back to Australia every 6 weeks, during the 2 years, and leave again the next day, and still qualify?

You will have to ask the pension people. I cannot give a definitive answer as it is over 10 years since I dealt with them.

4 hours ago, GreasyFingers said:

You will have to ask the pension people. I cannot give a definitive answer as it is over 10 years since I dealt with them.

The OP is posting about freedom of movement during the 2 years. Perhaps he can answer the question.

I returned to Straya June/25 as missus medical bills for cancer over the preceeding 4 1/2 years cleared the cupboard out so I was basically forced to financially. It was her that said it would be a good idea to secure a regular income. Obviously not liking the idea, but it has been rather smooth sailing. Went on the rock & roll till Oct when I reached 67. Nearly 1 yr done out of my 2 year incarceration. Left her and 2 Jack Russels behind that are ageing and at her 14 & him 16. They where quite sick & I was worried I wouldn't see them again. So I did the research and to my suprise I found that you can holiday for up to 6 weeks but with no pay. So I did 30 days in mid Jan to Feb. I was happy, however when you add 2 missed payments and the flight & holiday costs, it was costly at 100k. At least I got both my licences renewed for 2 years. So I will have a bit left on that when I get back. My concern now is both Oz & Thai Governments are playing up like 2nd hand lawnmowers and who knows what could happen in the next 12 months. My plan when I can, is to get the 60 day visa from the embassy here (Currently $85) and a 30 day extension when back & figure out what visa to get. Not married but that will be a consideration as I could then do it based on income. Agents are costing over 60 k now to set up R/visa. If you do a holiday make sure you inform them when you get back as it's not automatic.

Edited May 20May 20 by Bagwain

31 minutes ago, Bagwain said:

I returned to Straya June/25 as missus medical bills for cancer over the preceeding 4 1/2 years cleared the cupboard out so I was basically forced to financially. It was her that said it would be a good idea to secure a regular income. Obviously not liking the idea, but it has been rather smooth sailing. Went on the rock & roll till Oct when I reached 67. Nearly 1 yr done out of my 2 year incarceration. Left her and 2 Jack Russels behind that are ageing and at her 14 & him 16. They where quite sick & I was worried I wouldn't see them again. So I did the research and to my suprise I found that you can holiday for up to 6 weeks but with no pay. So I did 30 days in mid Jan to Feb. I was happy, however when you add 2 missed payments and the flight & holiday costs, it was costly at 100k. At least I got both my licences renewed for 2 years. So I will have a bit left on that when I get back. My concern now is both Oz & Thai Governments are playing up like 2nd hand lawnmowers and who knows what could happen in the next 12 months. My plan when I can, is to get the 60 day visa from the embassy here (Currently $85) and a 30 day extension when back & figure out what visa to get. Not married but that will be a consideration as I could then do it based on income. Agents are costing over 60 k now to set up R/visa. If you do a holiday make sure you inform them when you get back as it's not automatic.

Interesting post.

Is the 6 weeks out added to the 2 years? If not, how many times can you do the 6 weeks within the 2 years?

4 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Interesting post.

Is the 6 weeks out added to the 2 years? If not, how many times can you do the 6 weeks within the 2 years?

No not added. I wouldn't have done it if that was so. I did a lot of research & phone calls to be sure. Not sure how many times they will let you do it. But I would be warry as they could get snakey or question how can you afford it. Lots of missinformation about the whole subject out there. My dealing with Centrelink & Gov services have been good. Unlike others I have spoken to. Mosly done online now so that does help a lot if you are savy with that. They have public access PC's in the Gov Services offices now and they will help with the not so bright drones out there. Speaking to a mate that as recently landed and he mention that technicaly they can stop your pension if they want to, if they feel that you are only back for the pension. But i don't think they would act on it if that is correct.

On 5/20/2026 at 5:16 PM, Bagwain said:

No not added. I wouldn't have done it if that was so. I did a lot of research & phone calls to be sure. Not sure how many times they will let you do it. But I would be warry as they could get snakey or question how can you afford it. Lots of missinformation about the whole subject out there. My dealing with Centrelink & Gov services have been good. Unlike others I have spoken to. Mosly done online now so that does help a lot if you are savy with that. They have public access PC's in the Gov Services offices now and they will help with the not so bright drones out there. Speaking to a mate that as recently landed and he mention that technicaly they can stop your pension if they want to, if they feel that you are only back for the pension. But i don't think they would act on it if that is correct.

Yes, they can decide not to grant the pension if they deem you have only returned to get it and leave.

Their wording is that the OAP is a benefit you can claim, it is not an entitlement.

However, once you have secured the OAP, and completed any resumption of residency requirement period (2 years), payment portability is an entitlement.

19 hours ago, TravelDivingAussie said:

Yes, they can decide not to grant the pension if they deem you have only returned to get it and leave.

Their wording is that the OAP is a benefit you can claim, it is not an entitlement.

However, once you have secured the OAP, and completed any resumption of residency requirement period (2 years), payment portability is an entitlement.

Irrespective of all the rules, it is plainly wrong & immorale for the OAP to be called a benefit/welfare. The pension was funded by a direct tax, but they change the law in the early 70's & it was incorporated into income tax & the fund was moved into consolidated revenue. For'king Gov did a shifty. They have spent it end of story. It is an entitlement no matter what the bureaucrats say the bunch of lying lazy pigs! (Younger adults tend to think of it as welfare but are ignorant of the facts)

Quote - While "welfare" is broadly used to describe government assistance provided to individuals experiencing financial hardship, an "entitlement" is a legally guaranteed right to benefits for anyone who meets specific eligibility criteria. [1] (I.e. Paid into it)

Edited May 23May 23 by Bagwain

5 hours ago, Bagwain said:

Irrespective of all the rules, it is plainly wrong & immorale for the OAP to be called a benefit/welfare. The pension was funded by a direct tax, but they change the law in the early 70's & it was incorporated into income tax & the fund was moved into consolidated revenue. For'king Gov did a shifty. They have spent it end of story. It is an entitlement no matter what the bureaucrats say the bunch of lying lazy pigs! (Younger adults tend to think of it as welfare but are ignorant of the facts)

Quote - While "welfare" is broadly used to describe government assistance provided to individuals experiencing financial hardship, an "entitlement" is a legally guaranteed right to benefits for anyone who meets specific eligibility criteria. [1] (I.e. Paid into it)

I agree with what had happened, and also didn’t like the switch in narrative.

But as it now stands.

You have to qualify for an entitlement.

And. You have to claim a benefit.

OAP is classed as a welfare benefit…

It's a sad story when our government gives away our (Australian people) resources to other countries for very little cost, but can't take care of their elderly, Australian citizens
If we charged appropriately for our resources we'd be have enough money for our elderly, free university education, no wait hospital care etc but our government is not working for the Aussie battler, they're just lining their own pockets.

Edited May 23May 23 by SAFETY FIRST

On 5/20/2026 at 10:16 AM, Bagwain said:

or question how can you afford it

You are allowed to have $321,500 and still claim the full pension.

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/assets-test-for-age-pension?context=22526

On 5/20/2026 at 10:16 AM, Bagwain said:

Not sure how many times they will let you do it.

It would be good to have the answer to this question, in writing, from the government.