On 5/13/2026 at 4:31 PM, Nemises said:

Age Pension recipients will be able to spend more time travelling overseas before their payments are cut

Can I spend more time travelling before OAP age?

I'm 64 years old, an Australian resident/citizen and thinking of spending more time in Thailand over the next few years.
Before OAP age, I'd like to live in Thailand for several months of the year, returning to Australia for a week or two then back to Thailand, then at age 67 live permanently in Thailand claiming the OAP.

My question......will my time spent in Thailand over the next few years before I can obtain OAP void my qualification to receive OAP at age 67?

On 5/13/2026 at 4:31 PM, Nemises said:

21 minutes ago, Cricky said:

Can I spend more time travelling before OAP age?

I'm 64 years old, an Australian resident/citizen and thinking of spending more time in Thailand over the next few years.
Before OAP age, I'd like to live in Thailand for several months of the year, returning to Australia for a week or two then back to Thailand, then at age 67 live permanently in Thailand claiming the OAP.

My question......will my time spent in Thailand over the next few years before I can obtain OAP void my qualification to receive OAP at age 67?

If you live in Thailand and only return to Australia for 1–2 weeks at a time, Centrelink may decide that you stopped residing in Australia before turning 67. They look at where your actual life is based, not just your citizenship.

If Centrelink determines that you ceased Australian residency, you may be treated as a Returning Former Resident when you later qualify for the Age Pension.

Under the portability rules, a Returning Former Resident generally must remain physically in Australia for 2 continuous years after returning to Australian residence before they can take their pension overseas. If they leave Australia during that period, their pension may be suspended or stopped, depending on the circumstances.

To reduce the risk of residency issues, it is important that your circumstances continue to demonstrate that Australia remains your primary place of residence rather than Thailand. Centrelink assesses residency based on the overall facts of each case.

Because individual circumstances vary, it is strongly recommended that you contact Centrelink and obtain advice specific to your situation.

Services Australia International Services

• Within Australia: 131 673

• Overseas: +61 3 6222 3455

When you call, ask to speak with an international specialist regarding Age Pension residency and portability rules so they can explain how your travel plans may affect a future claim.

2 hours ago, Cricky said:

Can I spend more time travelling before OAP age?

I'm 64 years old, an Australian resident/citizen and thinking of spending more time in Thailand over the next few years.
Before OAP age, I'd like to live in Thailand for several months of the year, returning to Australia for a week or two then back to Thailand, then at age 67 live permanently in Thailand claiming the OAP.

My question......will my time spent in Thailand over the next few years before I can obtain OAP void my qualification to receive OAP at age 67?

Having been through the portability of the OAP for myself and my Thai wife, my advice is to stay in Australia from you 65th birthday and 2 months before you turn 67 and apply for the OAP.

Once your OAP is approved on your 67th birthday or later, you will have potability and can go to Thailand and be paid the OAP

If you travel before 67 and spend a lot of time in Thailand and then go back to Australia to apply for the OAP you will have to spend 2 years in Australia to gain portabiltiy.

The first question Centrelink will ask you if you return at 67 is,

are you returning to Australia to live? The answer they want form you is YES.

Another answer, they will give you the 3 degree and the questions will keep on coming and make life difficult to get the OAP approved. You will then definitely have to spend 2 years in Australia to gain portability.

That's was my experience a few years ago for what it's worth

36 minutes ago, ozfarang said:

Having been through the portability of the OAP for myself and my Thai wife, my advice is to stay in Australia from you 65th birthday and 2 months before you turn 67 and apply for the OAP.

Once your OAP is approved on your 67th birthday or later, you will have potability and can go to Thailand and be paid the OAP

If you travel before 67 and spend a lot of time in Thailand and then go back to Australia to apply for the OAP you will have to spend 2 years in Australia to gain portabiltiy.

The first question Centrelink will ask you if you return at 67 is,

are you returning to Australia to live? The answer they want form you is YES.

Another answer, they will give you the 3 degree and the questions will keep on coming and make life difficult to get the OAP approved. You will then definitely have to spend 2 years in Australia to gain portability.

That's was my experience a few years ago for what it's worth

Not much difference, is there?

Stay at 65 to 67 = 2 years.

Go back at 67 and stay to 69 = 2 years.

Either way, one has to do the 2 years.