Australian Aged Pension

KhunHeineken · October 13

4 minutes ago, Artisi said:

To that I cannot answer, and neither can anyone else, although many would like to think they know the answer.

Ok. I'll make it more simple.

What's stopping the government from doing it?

There are no exemptions, means testing, asset testing, or tax free threshold changes in the proposed changes. I don't see where pensions get a free pass.

The DTA was put forward, but that is for government service pensions, and that's not an aged pension from Centerlink.

Edited October 13 by KhunHeineken

Artisi · October 13

1 minute ago, KhunHeineken said:

Ok. I'll make it more simple.

What's stopping the government from doing it?

There are no exemptions, means testing, asset testing, or tax free threshold changes in the proposed changes. I don't see where pensions get a free pass.

Nothing is stopping the government from doing whatever they like. If they felt inclined, they could stop any pension for any Aussie who leaves the country and doesn't return within a given period.

Lacessit · October 13

21 minutes ago, Artisi said:

Nothing is stopping the government from doing whatever they like. If they felt inclined, they could stop any pension for any Aussie who leaves the country and doesn't return within a given period.

Not quite - the ballot box is a deterrent, and people of pension age are a reasonably large voting bloc.

IMO the measure you put forward hypothetically would result in considerable backlash.

Fat is a type of crazy · October 13

1 hour ago, KhunHeineken said:

I agree, but what the proposed changes seemed to be focusing on is enforcement. It makes it sooooooo easy for them to enforce non resident tax.

One should ask themself "why" focus on enforcement, if they are not going to chase dollars from non residents, including pensioners.

Interesting.

So, in your view, an Aussie expat pensioner, who has not been back to Australia in, say, 5 years, who is clearly a non resident for tax purposes, has nothing to be concerned about. Is this not the case with the majority of expats? Many haven't back in years. This is the demographic we are discussing, not people coming and going from Australia.

I find it interesting that an Aussie pensioner can go to Thailand, not inform Centerlink they are leaving the country, and "automatically" have their supplements cut off after 6 weeks. This tells me Centerlink is linked to Immigration, does it not? We have read many account of it happening. You use the word "automatically." This is one case of "automatically" having money reduced, yet, many do not consider the same system could be used for non resident pensioners.

Questions: Are you at all concerned there are no exemptions for pensions mentioned in the proposed changes? Why do you think pensioners will get a free pass?

I see nothing in the proposed changes exempting any non resident, no matter the size of their income being derived in Australia.

Right now a pensioner who has been away for 5 years is a non-resident and the pension is taxable. They are not a focus it seems. Same under the new rules - they are a non-resident and nothing new proposed - as far as I know - suggesting new enforcement rules to affect them as such. If there is a sudden appetite to deal with such taxpayers then that alters the situation. They are non-residents now and they'll be non-residents if and when there are new rules .

An automatic reduction in payment for long term expats is of course technically possible but that is possible now and not done. As has been pointed out to you they could not use automatic reductions in the first years away because the rules are not clear cut e.g. you are not automatically a non-resident after 183 days outside Australia. You have suggested the latter - been corrected - but keep saying it for some reason or other.

Edited October 13 by Fat is a type of crazy

Artisi · October 13

51 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

Not quite - the ballot box is a deterrent, and people of pension age are a reasonably large voting bloc.

IMO the measure you put forward hypothetically would result in considerable backlash.

In theory maybe, but the number of expats and the number that vote as expats is insignificant in the overall plan.

Having said that, as an (ex) expat I would certainly vote against it, but that's just me, as I've been there etc and don't agree with that idea.

Plus, the 99.9% of pensioners wouldn't even be aware of this tax ruling

KhunHeineken · October 13

2 hours ago, Artisi said:

Nothing is stopping the government from doing whatever they like.

Correct.

As I said in a previous post, as per the letter of the current law, we should all be paying non resident tax right now, and that includes pensioners. Another member has also pointed this out.

The reason we haven't / don't is the loopholes in the current laws. The proposed changes will close those loopholes.

Thus, it's obvious to me, the proposed changes focus on enforcement. The government wants the slice of non resident taxation that they have been missing out on for decades.

If the proposed changes simply said: "The aged pension is exempt" i wouldn't have even bothered posting the proposed changes all that time ago, but there is no exemption, so what does that tell you?

KhunHeineken · October 13

1 hour ago, Lacessit said:

Not quite - the ballot box is a deterrent, and people of pension age are a reasonably large voting bloc.

IMO the measure you put forward hypothetically would result in considerable backlash.

Old argument, discussed before.

When put to the forum, not one member said they went to The Australian Embassy in Bangkok to vote at election time. So, no lost votes from expats.

Why would pensioners living in a Australia vote down a law that doesn't effect them? What makes you think it even will be an election issue?

Liberal proposed them, and Labor didn't bin them, so they will most likely not be an election issue. They will probably sail through parliament one day with bipartisan support.

KhunHeineken · October 13

1 hour ago, Fat is a type of crazy said:

Right now a pensioner who has been away for 5 years is a non-resident and the pension is taxable.

You are correct, but some members would disagree with you.

1 hour ago, Fat is a type of crazy said:

They are not a focus it seems. Same under the new rules - they are a non-resident and nothing new proposed - as far as I know - suggesting new enforcement rules to affect them as such. If there is a sudden appetite to deal with such taxpayers then that alters the situation. They are non-residents now and they'll be non-residents if and when there are new rules .

If they are not focused on collection / enforcement, why did they draft the proposed changes in the first place?

It seems to me they know there's some money there for the taking, they just haven't been able to take it dues to the current 90 year old laws.

Why would they propose and pass the changes, and then do nothing different?

1 hour ago, Fat is a type of crazy said:

An automatic reduction in payment for long term expats is of course technically possible but that is possible now and not done.

Correct.

This is because one can claim they are still "domiciled" in Australia, and have the "intention" to return to live in Australia.

The proposed changes take that away. 183 days outside Australia = non resident. No reviews, no appeals.

1 hour ago, Fat is a type of crazy said:

As has been pointed out to you they could not use automatic reductions in the first years away because the rules are not clear cut e.g. you are not automatically a non-resident after 183 days outside Australia. You have suggested the latter - been corrected - but keep saying it for some reason or other.

Once again, I am talking about the majority of expats who have not been back to Australia for years.

They have been outside Australia for more than the 46 days in the last 3 year rule.

What argument do you think they can put to the ATO on their first 30% reduced pension after the 1st July 202x after the proposed changes have been passed? The government knows they have been outside Australia for years.

Slightly off topic, but the British government freeze pensions when the pensioner is outside the UK. That means, no CPI increases, which, in a way, can be looked upon as a tax, or punitive measure.

Is it not possible the Australian government will start collecting their 30%, whilst still giving annual CPI rises, as normal?

I mentioned the cutting of supplements after 6 weeks outside Australia, despite the pension not informing Centerlink, just to show how "automatic" the system already is. It would only be a small tweak to also cut the 30%, in the same way the supplements are cut.

KhunHeineken · October 13

1 hour ago, Artisi said:

In theory maybe, but the number of expats and the number that vote as expats is insignificant in the overall plan.

Having said that, as an (ex) expat I would certainly vote against it, but that's just me, as I've been there etc and don't agree with that idea.

Plus, the 99.9% of pensioners wouldn't even be aware of this tax ruling

I agree.

Did you go to The Australian Embassy to vote in the last election?

Why would pensioners in Australia care about a policy that doesn't effect them?

This will most likely not even be an election issue anyway.

Lacessit · October 13

1 hour ago, Artisi said:

In theory maybe, but the number of expats and the number that vote as expats is insignificant in the overall plan.

Having said that, as an (ex) expat I would certainly vote against it, but that's just me, as I've been there etc and don't agree with that idea.

Plus, the 99.9% of pensioners wouldn't even be aware of this tax ruling

You are correct in saying the number of expat pensioners is insignificant.

However, IMO the bulk of pensioners would certainly disagree with that restriction on their liberty IF they were made aware of the issue, given no other Western nations would do so.

Social media such as Facebook, Twitter etc. is something politicians of every stripe are increasingly wary of.

KhunHeineken · October 13

5 hours ago, Lacessit said:

You are correct in saying the number of expat pensioners is insignificant.

The proposed changes do not differentiate between expat pensions, and "guys like Paul Hogan" do they?

"Insignificant numbers" will still have the same classification as those in "significant numbers" under the law.

There's nothing in the proposed changes that give any exemptions, or allowances.

5 hours ago, Lacessit said:

However, IMO the bulk of pensioners would certainly disagree with that restriction on their liberty IF they were made aware of the issue, given no other Western nations would do so.

Why would the bulk of Australian pensioners, with absolutely no intention of ever retiring abroad, give a damn?

You still post like you believe it will be an election issue. Where do you get that from?

I posted what the British government do. Australia may tax, rather than freeze. Same same, but different.

5 hours ago, Lacessit said:

Social media such as Facebook, Twitter etc. is something politicians of every stripe are increasingly wary of.

How many in their mid to late 60's, which is pension age, are that into social media, enough to protest about it, and if they did, it's a small minority who may even be contemplating retiring abroad. For most, they wouldn't care, because this change to legislation doesn't effect them.

You still have the "pensioners will be up in arms" argument. Not going to happen, and even if it did, it would be in "insignificant numbers" for the government to care.

Edited October 13 by KhunHeineken

cdnvic · October 15

We've issued many warnings, and removed countless posts in this topic to try keeping it informative and readable for everyone, but it's not working and we have to step it up a level.

From now on, anyone fighting with another member in this topic will lose their posting privileges for increasing periods. It won't matter if you are starting the argument, responding to it, or joining in. You made the choice to be part of the problem and will be treated the same.

This doesn't mean debate is not allowed, but if you can't engage in debate without insulting others, your input isn't welcome here.

4MyEgo · October 20

On 10/13/2024 at 1:49 AM, KhunHeineken said:

That's why the laws are changing.

Like I have said in the past, Centerlink is the payer, and can also be the taxer / withholder. Computers will do it all.

It already happens when a pensioner is outside of Australia for 6 weeks. Supplements are cut off. No giant leap forward to withhold 30% non resident tax, in the same way the supplements are cut off.

I did say that I was going to block you and I did, that said, I enjoy reading comments from those who contribute to this topic, that said, I unblocked you to see what information you keep posting, and of course, I will address your 30% non residency misinformation for Age Pensioners for the last time, as I don't enjoy searching for hours to prove a point that you won't accept.

All of the above said, I am certain I have raised SAPTO with you before, anyhow, it allows Age Pensions or those that qualify, e.g. not necessarily Age Pensioners to receive a certain amount before they start to paying taxes, oh YES, we know that the Age Pension is assessable income, however, as I have mentioned on numerous occasions that it is only assessable, "if it is not your only source of income", now think about that for a minute, if you can.

Now knock yourself out and do tell me that based on the information that I have provided you with below, that I am wrong.

https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/income-deductions-offsets-and-records/tax-offsets/seniors-and-pensioners-tax-offset

Pattaya57 · October 20

36 minutes ago, 4MyEgo said:

I did say that I was going to block you and I did, that said, I enjoy reading comments from those who contribute to this topic, that said, I unblocked you to see what information you keep posting, and of course, I will address your 30% non residency misinformation for Age Pensioners for the last time, as I don't enjoy searching for hours to prove a point that you won't accept.

All of the above said, I am certain I have raised SAPTO with you before, anyhow, it allows Age Pensions or those that qualify, e.g. not necessarily Age Pensioners to receive a certain amount before they start to paying taxes, oh YES, we know that the Age Pension is assessable income, however, as I have mentioned on numerous occasions that it is only assessable, "if it is not your only source of income", now think about that for a minute, if you can.

Now knock yourself out and do tell me that based on the information that I have provided you with below, that I am wrong.

https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/income-deductions-offsets-and-records/tax-offsets/seniors-and-pensioners-tax-offset

Don't waste your time responding to him is my suggestion (which is why most of us block him). He's convinced the proposed tax laws are purely to catch old age pensioners, whereby if ever put in place it has always been to catch the very highly paid overseas workers that are non-resident for tax but still spend a significant time in Australia.

This is why the proposed rule is 183 days in Australia is automatic resident. Not the made up false story he always repeats over and over of 183 days out of Australia makes you an automatic non-resident.

Same with the proposed 45 day in Australia rule. It is to catch those wealthy non-tax residents spending more than 45 days in Australia. For us retired expats doing a 45 days trip once in the prevous 3 years seems a very easy way to stay a resident for tax in Australia in my opinion.

Edited October 20 by Pattaya57

Pattaya57 · October 20

Please delete

Edited October 20 by Pattaya57

KhunHeineken · October 20

12 hours ago, Pattaya57 said:

Don't waste your time responding to him is my suggestion (which is why most of us block him). He's convinced the proposed tax laws are purely to catch old age pensioners, whereby if ever put in place it has always been to catch the very highly paid overseas workers that are non-resident for tax but still spend a significant time in Australia.

This is why the proposed rule is 183 days in Australia is automatic resident. Not the made up false story he always repeats over and over of 183 days out of Australia makes you an automatic non-resident.

Same with the proposed 45 day in Australia rule. It is to catch those wealthy non-tax residents spending more than 45 days in Australia. For us retired expats doing a 45 days trip once in the prevous 3 years seems a very easy way to stay a resident for tax in Australia in my opinion.

As per the Mod's warnings on the matter.

See the below post.

Happy to discuss points 1,2,3, 4, 5 and 6.

Everything else is designed to bait me.

Is there something, anything, in point 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 that you think is incorrect, and can post a link showing so????

Edited October 20 by KhunHeineken

KhunHeineken · October 20

12 hours ago, Pattaya57 said:

Don't waste your time responding to him is my suggestion (which is why most of us block him). He's convinced the proposed tax laws are purely to catch old age pensioners, whereby if ever put in place it has always been to catch the very highly paid overseas workers that are non-resident for tax but still spend a significant time in Australia.

This is why the proposed rule is 183 days in Australia is automatic resident. Not the made up false story he always repeats over and over of 183 days out of Australia makes you an automatic non-resident.

Same with the proposed 45 day in Australia rule. It is to catch those wealthy non-tax residents spending more than 45 days in Australia. For us retired expats doing a 45 days trip once in the prevous 3 years seems a very easy way to stay a resident for tax in Australia in my opinion.

Deleted post.

Edited October 20 by KhunHeineken

KhunHeineken · October 20

12 hours ago, 4MyEgo said:

I did say that I was going to block you and I did, that said, I enjoy reading comments from those who contribute to this topic, that said, I unblocked you to see what information you keep posting, and of course, I will address your 30% non residency misinformation for Age Pensioners for the last time, as I don't enjoy searching for hours to prove a point that you won't accept.

All of the above said, I am certain I have raised SAPTO with you before, anyhow, it allows Age Pensions or those that qualify, e.g. not necessarily Age Pensioners to receive a certain amount before they start to paying taxes, oh YES, we know that the Age Pension is assessable income, however, as I have mentioned on numerous occasions that it is only assessable, "if it is not your only source of income", now think about that for a minute, if you can.

Now knock yourself out and do tell me that based on the information that I have provided you with below, that I am wrong.

https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/income-deductions-offsets-and-records/tax-offsets/seniors-and-pensioners-tax-offset

The Mods have warned every member on this thread, more than once.

I will not engage your baiting post.

The facts are:

1) The pension is deemed an income.

2) The pension is taxable.

3) There is no tax free threshold in the non resident tax brackets.

4) The proposed changes have no exemptions for old aged pensions.

5) The proposed changes will see one deemed a non resident for tax purposes if outside of Australia for 183 days. (the 45 day rule every 3 years aside)

6) The DTA only covers "Government Service Pensions" and an old age Centerlink pension is not a Government Service Pension.

Happy to discuss what you disagree with in the above. Everything else you post is designed bait me.

Can you post a link showing ANY of points 1,2,3,4,5 and 6 above are incorrect????

When you stop making it "personal" and stick to the above to discuss, perhaps the thread can continue in a sensible manner.

Many on here would like to discuss the above, in the exact same way it's being discussed in another forum, in relation to the Thai remittance tax, which, funny enough, you did state on that forum, under Article 19 of the DTA an individual will have to pay tax, but on this forum you stated, under Article 19 you don't have to pay tax.

Go figure.

Edited October 20 by KhunHeineken

KhunHeineken · October 20

Australia slipped down the rankings.

https://www.mercer.com/insights/investments/market-outlook-and-trends/mercer-cfa-global-pension-index/

Nemises · October 20

90% of pensioner’s who own their own home can no longer meet basic living costs.

…singles need $595,000 by retirement age, plus a part-pension, to have a comfortable retirement lifestyle. These estimates assume you own your own home without a mortgage….

https://www.fool.com.au/2024/10/05/pension-and-home-ownership-not-enough-to-meet-basic-living-costs-in-retirement-survey/

Edited October 21 by Nemises

Nemises · October 21

This 71yo Aus guy who’s just moved to Thailand (Surin) for a more affordable lifestyle is claiming that the OAP isn’t available once you leave Aus. Hope he joins AN and reads this thread for our expert advice on this topic…

“Expats do not receive pension, despite in my case being an ex-Royal Australian Navy member and having paid tax for over 50 years,' he said.

'Once you leave Australia, that's it - you're responsible for funding your own retirement. It's one of the few countries in the world that applies this rules, and I think it's wrong.'

Before making the move, Greg was aware that he would not be receiving a pension in Asia so he excluded it from their overall financial plan.

'For anyone contemplating doing what Yuri and I have done, it's important to factor this into your finances if you're on a budget,' he said.

'Did it influence our decision making? Yes, several features were deleted once we became aware of the pension not being available.”

The comments section of this story may also be of interest. Lots of posters arguing both ways if the OAP is available once they leave Aus.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-13964431/Great-Australian-Dream-Thailand.html?ito=social-facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawGCnypleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHX8K1c_ARxBKuPjNSDHVYJdzz_s0JBoGDo9MPnfnBqR7NNlbJB7mtWcAiw_aem_lijYVw73iTxx5zxSwhI7Dg#fi7q0dn6eq

Edited October 21 by Nemises

giddyup · October 21

2 minutes ago, Nemises said:

This 71yo Aus guy who’s just moved to Thailand for a more affordable lifestyle is claiming the OAP isn’t available once you leave Aus. Hope he joins AN and reads this thread for our expert advice on his claims!

“Expats do not receive pension, despite in my case being an ex-Royal Australian Navy member and having paid tax for over 50 years,' he said.

'Once you leave Australia, that's it - you're responsible for funding your own retirement. It's one of the few countries in the world that applies this rules, and I think it's wrong.'

Before making the move, Greg was aware that he would not be receiving a pension in Asia so he excluded it from their overall financial plan.

'For anyone contemplating doing what Yuri and I have done, it's important to factor this into your finances if you're on a budget,' he said.

'Did it influence our decision making? Yes, several features were deleted once we became aware of the pension not being available.”

The comments section of this story may also be of interest. Lots of posters arguing both ways if the OAP is available once they leave Aus.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-13964431/Great-Australian-Dream-Thailand.html?ito=social-facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawGCnypleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHX8K1c_ARxBKuPjNSDHVYJdzz_s0JBoGDo9MPnfnBqR7NNlbJB7mtWcAiw_aem_lijYVw73iTxx5zxSwhI7Dg#fi7q0dn6eq

Before I moved here 14 years ago I was told by a Centrelink employee that my pension would stop once I left Australia. Had to get her to go online while I was there to read the actual policy re moving overseas. If I hadn't already known the facts it may have dissuaded me from moving.

Olmate · October 21

44 minutes ago, Nemises said:

This 71yo Aus guy who’s just moved to Thailand (Surin) for a more affordable lifestyle is claiming that the OAP isn’t available once you leave Aus. Hope he joins AN and reads this thread for our expert advice on this topic…

“Expats do not receive pension, despite in my case being an ex-Royal Australian Navy member and having paid tax for over 50 years,' he said.

'Once you leave Australia, that's it - you're responsible for funding your own retirement. It's one of the few countries in the world that applies this rules, and I think it's wrong.'

Before making the move, Greg was aware that he would not be receiving a pension in Asia so he excluded it from their overall financial plan.

'For anyone contemplating doing what Yuri and I have done, it's important to factor this into your finances if you're on a budget,' he said.

'Did it influence our decision making? Yes, several features were deleted once we became aware of the pension not being available.”

The comments section of this story may also be of interest. Lots of posters arguing both ways if the OAP is available once they leave Aus.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-13964431/Great-Australian-Dream-Thailand.html?ito=social-facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawGCnypleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHX8K1c_ARxBKuPjNSDHVYJdzz_s0JBoGDo9MPnfnBqR7NNlbJB7mtWcAiw_aem_lijYVw73iTxx5zxSwhI7Dg#fi7q0dn6eq

Dead out of brain cells Greg has plenty of mates from blighty here, thank god he,s out of our Navy!

scorecard · October 21

47 minutes ago, Nemises said:

This 71yo Aus guy who’s just moved to Thailand (Surin) for a more affordable lifestyle is claiming that the OAP isn’t available once you leave Aus. Hope he joins AN and reads this thread for our expert advice on this topic…

“Expats do not receive pension, despite in my case being an ex-Royal Australian Navy member and having paid tax for over 50 years,' he said.

'Once you leave Australia, that's it - you're responsible for funding your own retirement. It's one of the few countries in the world that applies this rules, and I think it's wrong.'

Before making the move, Greg was aware that he would not be receiving a pension in Asia so he excluded it from their overall financial plan.

'For anyone contemplating doing what Yuri and I have done, it's important to factor this into your finances if you're on a budget,' he said.

'Did it influence our decision making? Yes, several features were deleted once we became aware of the pension not being available.”

The comments section of this story may also be of interest. Lots of posters arguing both ways if the OAP is available once they leave Aus.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-13964431/Great-Australian-Dream-Thailand.html?ito=social-facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawGCnypleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHX8K1c_ARxBKuPjNSDHVYJdzz_s0JBoGDo9MPnfnBqR7NNlbJB7mtWcAiw_aem_lijYVw73iTxx5zxSwhI7Dg#fi7q0dn6eq

For the ex Navy guy there's probably 2 options:

1. The Service Pension, administered by the DVA (in reality the qualifying requirements etc., are 99% the same as the OAP and that includes the return to Oz for 2 years to gain portability (receive the payments anywhere in the world) for life. This is administered by the DVA Hobart office (DVA International office). Give them a call, very friendly and helpful officers, always clear answers. They don't bite. But note all calls are recorded so be careful what you say.

2. The OAP, look through the Centrelink online Fact Sheets, that will quickly prove the OAP is available abroad (after the return to Oz for 2 years to gain portability, if the person meets the qualifying requirements). I did this as have many others now resident here in Thailand and in other countries. For pensioners living abroad payments are on the 4 weekly cycle. I received my 4 weekly payment about 2 hours ago into my K Bank savings account. For more details don't hesitate to call Centrelink on their toll free number from Thailand. The free call number from Thailand is

Thailand

001 800 611 4136

This will connect you to Centrelink in Hobart (Centrelink international office) Don't hesitate to call, they don't bite. But note all calls are recorded so be careful what you say.

Lacessit · October 21

1 hour ago, giddyup said:

Before I moved here 14 years ago I was told by a Centrelink employee that my pension would stop once I left Australia. Had to get her to go online while I was there to read the actual policy re moving overseas. If I hadn't already known the facts it may have dissuaded me from moving.

The people to talk to at Centrelink are Financial Services Officers. Front-line desk staff are almost financially illiterate.

I can remember one desk officer where I had to explain what call and put options were, as part of my list of assets as that point in time.

Artisi · October 21

2 hours ago, Nemises said:

This 71yo Aus guy who’s just moved to Thailand (Surin) for a more affordable lifestyle is claiming that the OAP isn’t available once you leave Aus. Hope he joins AN and reads this thread for our expert advice on this topic…

“Expats do not receive pension, despite in my case being an ex-Royal Australian Navy member and having paid tax for over 50 years,' he said.

'Once you leave Australia, that's it - you're responsible for funding your own retirement. It's one of the few countries in the world that applies this rules, and I think it's wrong.'

Before making the move, Greg was aware that he would not be receiving a pension in Asia so he excluded it from their overall financial plan.

'For anyone contemplating doing what Yuri and I have done, it's important to factor this into your finances if you're on a budget,' he said.

'Did it influence our decision making? Yes, several features were deleted once we became aware of the pension not being available.”

The comments section of this story may also be of interest. Lots of posters arguing both ways if the OAP is available once they leave Aus.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-13964431/Great-Australian-Dream-Thailand.html?ito=social-facebook&fbclid=IwY2xjawGCnypleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHX8K1c_ARxBKuPjNSDHVYJdzz_s0JBoGDo9MPnfnBqR7NNlbJB7mtWcAiw_aem_lijYVw73iTxx5zxSwhI7Dg#fi7q0dn6eq

Nonsense

scorecard · October 21

12 minutes ago, Artisi said:

Nonsense

13 minutes ago, Artisi said:

Nonsense

Agreed, please read my repost (first posted about 2hrs ago):

For the ex Navy guy there's probably 2 options:

1. The Service Pension, administered by the DVA (in reality the qualifying requirements etc., are 99% the same as the OAP and that includes the return to Oz for 2 years to gain portability (receive the payments anywhere in the world) for life. This is administered by the DVA Hobart office (DVA International office). Give them a call, very friendly and helpful officers, always clear answers. They don't bite. But note all calls are recorded so be careful what you say. DVA don't have free number. Their website opening page gives their telephone number (in Oz) and their email contact address.

2. The OAP, look through the Centrelink online Fact Sheets, that will quickly prove the OAP is available abroad (after the return to Oz for 2 years to gain portability, if the person meets the qualifying requirements). I did this as have many others now resident here in Thailand and in other countries. For pensioners living abroad payments are on the 4 weekly cycle. I received my 4 weekly payment about 2 hours ago into my K Bank savings account. Already been receiving 4 weekly payments into my K Bank savings account for about 5 years. For more details don't hesitate to call Centrelink on their toll free number from Thailand. The free call number from Thailand is:

Thailand

001 800 611 4136

This will connect you to Centrelink in Hobart (Centrelink international office) Don't hesitate to call, they don't bite. But note all calls are recorded so be careful what you say.

LosLobo · October 21

2 hours ago, scorecard said:

For pensioners living abroad payments are on the 4 weekly cycle

I have a fortnightly cycle. The frequency of the cycle is optional.

scorecard · October 21

37 minutes ago, LosLobo said:

I have a fortnightly cycle. The frequency of the cycle is optional.

True. 2 weekly / 4 weekly pay cycle is optional. Sorry if I caused some confusion.

scorecard · October 21

4 hours ago, giddyup said:

Before I moved here 14 years ago I was told by a Centrelink employee that my pension would stop once I left Australia. Had to get her to go online while I was there to read the actual policy re moving overseas. If I hadn't already known the facts it may have dissuaded me from moving.

When in Sydney many many years ago I called the older Oz line and said I wanted some advice about portability. The stubborn female office responded quickly 'there's no such thing, do you really expect Australia to pay you in another currency?' and she hng up.

I politely hung up and called again, different pleasant office, I shared what had happened 2 minutes earlier. She responded 'please give me 2 minutes and I can identify who you spoke to, please don't hang up. About 5 minutes later a more senior officer came on the line and strongly apologized. Then she gave me me a lot of information and advice re portability.

She shared that the errant officer had a track record of rudeness and wrong answer. About 3 days later the errant officer called me and apologised and shared that she would finish work that day, she had been sacked. Snr officer called very late same day to check that the errant officer had called me and apologized.

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