Australian Aged Pension

Lacessit · March 8

6 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

You really have no idea.

See "cash at hand - inside or outside Australia."

I don't report posts, but NO ONE should listen to ANY of your advice. You are suggesting to them to break the law.

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/asset-types?context=22526

Financial investments

Tell us about any financial investments you and your partner own, or partially own, in and outside Australia. Financial investments include any of these:

bank, building society and credit union accounts

cash on hand

deeming accounts

term deposit accounts

uncleared cheques

managed investments, including margin loans

shares and securities.

They also include any of these:

superannuation investments if you are over Age Pension age

annuities and income streams

money loaned

money held in solicitor trust accounts

bonds and debentures

gold, silver or platinum bullion

gifting

Home Equity Access Scheme advance payments.

Read more about financial investments and what’s included in the test.

Cash on hand is invisible. You think Centrelink is going to send out search parties to find it?

Everything you listed is traceable one way or another. With one exception.

Cash is not, which is why most governments are trying to get rid of it.

Lacessit · March 8

24 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

If you are living in Thailand, how do you know this?

Link please?

They don't have to come after anyone.

You will be outside of Australia for more than 183 days, therefore will be a non resident for tax purposes, the tax bracket for non residents is 30% from $0 to $135,000, the pension is deemed an income, and the pension is taxable, and there are no exemptions or new tax free thresholds.

You have never addressed the above. You just continue to shoot the messenger.

Link please.

It's the ATO that will inform Centerlink what Australians are non residents for tax purposes after 183 days.

Once again, you are suggesting to members to break the law. It's against forum rules, but more than that, it's very poor advice.

Here's an example. He did "the right thing" and look what happened to him. You are suggesting members should do "the wrong thing."

https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/lotto-numbers-pensioner-centrelink-winnings/5906339b-634e-486d-b8a3-517e1431c8d6

Aren't we talking about pensioners, not part pensioners?

Part pensioners are going to be screwed. Simple as that. That income that only sees them qualify for a part pension is up for 30% non resident tax. No way out of it.

You keep banging on about "chasing." There is no chasing. You are outside of Australia for 183 days and WILL BE deemed a non resident for tax purposes.

It amazes me how many accept that being in Thailand for more than 180 days means you will be a tax resident of Thailand, yet, CAN NOT accept the day where Australia adopts a physical presence and time based model also, and being outside of Australia for 183 days means you WILL BE a non resident of Australia for tax purposes.

It amazes me you, in the face of a very specific email from the Deputy Commissioner of Taxation, continue with the fiction the OAP will be taxed at 30%.

You have wasted enough of my time. You won't be doing it again.

Olmate · March 9

Upcoming pension plus ++, Budget bonus on the.way🙏beauty Albo!

LosLobo · March 9

21 minutes ago, Olmate said:

Upcoming pension plus ++, Budget bonus on the.way🙏beauty Albo!

URL Link FYI : https://biif.com.au/age-pension-increase/

Olmate · March 9

16 minutes ago, LosLobo said:

URL Link FYI : https://biif.com.au/age-pension-increase/

Cheers LL🙏

CygnusX1 · March 9

16 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

You will be outside of Australia for more than 183 days, therefore will be a non resident for tax purposes, the tax bracket for non residents is 30% from $0 to $135,000, the pension is deemed an income, and the pension is taxable, and there are no exemptions or new tax free thresholds.

To avoid unnecessarily panicking some people, when quoting the 183 day rule you should always add the rider that this is just the first test in determining Australian tax residency. If you satisfy further tests such as ownership of assets and social ties in Australia, you may still be a resident for tax purposes.

The 183 day rule is still only an initial test even under the proposed new legislation, which may state that if you're not in Australia for at least 45 days, you're no longer a tax resident, with no further tests possible. In fact, on June 14 last year, you yourself posted a useful summary from a law firm of the proposed new legislation - "If you are inside Australia for more than 45 days, but less than 183 days, there are some secondary tests that are not too difficult to meet, but some may have some difficultly meeting them. Also, Labor has hinted at changing the 45 days to possibly 60, maybe 90".

I'm well aware that the above is of little comfort to those who have cut all ties to Australia, maybe or maybe not most on this forum.

With regards to reporting of assets to Centrelink, I report mine every 2 weeks, on the day my superannuation pension's credited to my bank account, and would panic if I forgot to include a small reinvested dividend. I'm reassured by the more lackadaisical approach of some posters!

KhunHeineken · March 9

6 hours ago, CygnusX1 said:

To avoid unnecessarily panicking some people, when quoting the 183 day rule you should always add the rider that this is just the first test in determining Australian tax residency. If you satisfy further tests such as ownership of assets and social ties in Australia, you may still be a resident for tax purposes.

Yes, you are correct, but how many Aussie expat pensioners who haven't been home for several years can meet the Factor 2 tests?

Sure, they can meet one of them, "right to reside" which is easy, as they are an Aussie citizen, but what about meeting any of the others?

6 hours ago, CygnusX1 said:

The 183 day rule is still only an initial test even under the proposed new legislation, which may state that if you're not in Australia for at least 45 days, you're no longer a tax resident, with no further tests possible. In fact, on June 14 last year, you yourself posted a useful summary from a law firm of the proposed new legislation - "If you are inside Australia for more than 45 days, but less than 183 days, there are some secondary tests that are not too difficult to meet, but some may have some difficultly meeting them. Also, Labor has hinted at changing the 45 days to possibly 60, maybe 90".

All true, but how does that help the Aussie expat pensioners who haven't been home in several years?

6 hours ago, CygnusX1 said:

I'm well aware that the above is of little comfort to those who have cut all ties to Australia, maybe or maybe not most on this forum.

Bingo.

The percentage is high.

6 hours ago, CygnusX1 said:

With regards to reporting of assets to Centrelink, I report mine every 2 weeks, on the day my superannuation pension's credited to my bank account, and would panic if I forgot to include a small reinvested dividend. I'm reassured by the more lackadaisical approach of some posters!

You have covered your a**, do good for you.

Many on this forum still think "it's only for guys like Paul Hogan." :cheesy:

scorecard · March 9

14 hours ago, Olmate said:

Upcoming pension plus ++, Budget bonus on the.way🙏beauty Albo!

I'm lost.

Does this mean a normal pension rise around 20 Marcg.

Plus a bonus:

AUD950 rise in the standard fortnightly rate, or a once off payment of AUD950?

Lacessit · March 9

6 hours ago, scorecard said:

I'm lost.

Does this mean a normal pension rise around 20 Marcg.

Plus a bonus:

AUD950 rise in the standard fortnightly rate, or a once off payment of AUD950?

IMO it would be a one-off bonus payment. Whether expats get it is another question.

Will27 · March 10

1 hour ago, Lacessit said:

IMO it would be a one-off bonus payment. Whether expats get it is another question.

From what I read, it's a fortnightly increase of about $75.00.

Pretty sure expats will receive it as well.

scorecard · March 10

52 minutes ago, Will27 said:

From what I read, it's a fortnightly increase of about $75.00.

Pretty sure expats will receive it as well.

In Thailand, during Covid I received 2 'bonus' payments each of AUD250.

LosLobo · March 10

I was a bit perplexed by the confusion on this subject -- where are the brightest of the Aussies on AN with IQ's circa 143 when you need them?

Here is one take courtesy of Perplexity.ai :

March 2025 Age Pension Increase: Clarification

The information available presents some confusion, reflecting the different interpretations in the forum posts. Here's a breakdown to clarify the situation regarding the March 2025 Age Pension increase.

Core Increase

Regular Indexation: The Age Pension is scheduled for a regular increase in March 2025 to adjust for the rising cost of living. This increase will take effect on March 20, 2025.
Amount:
- The maximum full Age Pension will increase by $4.60 per fortnight for a single person and $7.00 per person per fortnight for a couple.
- This translates to an approximate annual increase of $119.60 for a single person.

Payment Rates

Single: $1,149.00 per fortnight (approximately $29,874 per year)
Couple (combined): $1,732.20 per fortnight (approximately $45,037 per year)

Understanding the Confusion

No Bonus:
- There is no mention of a separate "bonus" payment of $950.
- The $950 figure likely refers to a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the increase over a longer period (e.g., quarterly).
Fortnightly Increase:
- The actual increase to the fortnightly payment is much smaller ($4.60 for singles and $7.00 per person for couples) than some forum users speculated.

Expats

Expats will receive a transitional rate for non-residents or those absent for more than six weeks.

Single: $853.40 per fortnight (approximately $22,188 per year) – an increase of $3.40 per fortnight
Couple (each): $713.20 per fortnight (approximately $18,543 per year) – an increase of $2.80 per fortnight
Couple (combined): $1,426.40 per fortnight (approximately $37,086 per year) – an increase of $5.60 per fortnight

In Summary

The March 2025 Age Pension increase is a standard adjustment to keep pace with the cost of living. It is not a one-time bonus of $950, but rather a smaller increase to the regular fortnightly payments.

The increase will affect both those residing in Australia and eligible pensioners living overseas, although specific amounts may vary based on individual circumstances and residency status.

EO&E 🙂

RJRS1301 · March 10

11 hours ago, scorecard said:

I'm lost.

Does this mean a normal pension rise around 20 Marcg.

Plus a bonus:

AUD950 rise in the standard fortnightly rate, or a once off payment of AUD950?

It is the twice yearly CPI increase that is all about $4.00 pf

Will27 · March 10

4 hours ago, Will27 said:

From what I read, it's a fortnightly increase of about $75.00.

Pretty sure expats will receive it as well.

I either misread it or the article is incorrect.

Looks just like the usual CPI index of around $4.00 PF.

KhunHeineken · March 10

6 hours ago, Will27 said:

I either misread it or the article is incorrect.

Looks just like the usual CPI index of around $4.00 PF.

Media says it;s $4.60.

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/the-welfare-payments-set-to-increase/n42gvk34r

Olmate · March 13

On 3/10/2025 at 9:31 AM, LosLobo said:

I was a bit perplexed by the confusion on this subject -- where are the brightest of the Aussies on AN with IQ's circa 143 when you need them?

Here is one take courtesy of Perplexity.ai :

March 2025 Age Pension Increase: Clarification

The information available presents some confusion, reflecting the different interpretations in the forum posts. Here's a breakdown to clarify the situation regarding the March 2025 Age Pension increase.

Core Increase

Regular Indexation: The Age Pension is scheduled for a regular increase in March 2025 to adjust for the rising cost of living. This increase will take effect on March 20, 2025.

Amount:

The maximum full Age Pension will increase by $4.60 per fortnight for a single person and $7.00 per person per fortnight for a couple.

This translates to an approximate annual increase of $119.60 for a single person.

Payment Rates

Single: $1,149.00 per fortnight (approximately $29,874 per year)

Couple (combined): $1,732.20 per fortnight (approximately $45,037 per year)

Understanding the Confusion

No Bonus:

There is no mention of a separate "bonus" payment of $950.

The $950 figure likely refers to a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the increase over a longer period (e.g., quarterly).

Fortnightly Increase:

The actual increase to the fortnightly payment is much smaller ($4.60 for singles and $7.00 per person for couples) than some forum users speculated.

Expats

Expats will receive a transitional rate for non-residents or those absent for more than six weeks.

Single: $853.40 per fortnight (approximately $22,188 per year) – an increase of $3.40 per fortnight

Couple (each): $713.20 per fortnight (approximately $18,543 per year) – an increase of $2.80 per fortnight

Couple (combined): $1,426.40 per fortnight (approximately $37,086 per year) – an increase of $5.60 per fortnight

In Summary

The March 2025 Age Pension increase is a standard adjustment to keep pace with the cost of living. It is not a one-time bonus of $950, but rather a smaller increase to the regular fortnightly payments.

The increase will affect both those residing in Australia and eligible pensioners living overseas, although specific amounts may vary based on individual circumstances and residency status.

EO&E 🙂

Anyone care to.tell us your CURRENT f/n AUD $ amount for a single in Thailand. I am receiving $1076.00 but 2 mates in same situation as.me get $1140.00.?? Thanks anyone.!

LosLobo · March 13

44 minutes ago, Olmate said:

Anyone care to.tell us your CURRENT f/n AUD $ amount for a single in Thailand. I am receiving $1076.00 but 2 mates in same situation as.me get $1140.00.?? Thanks anyone.!

Amount of Aged Pension is dependent on many factors.

Mine is less than maximum due to assets and income tests.

My income is only the deeming of my financial assets ie my savings and superannuation.

Olmate · March 13

35 minutes ago, LosLobo said:

Amount of Aged Pension is dependent on many factors.

Mine is less than maximum due to assets and income tests.

My income is only the deeming of my financial assets ie my savings and superannuation.

Yep.Thats all true of course, I wasreferring to all.3 of us in.same boat in.that regard,, Qthanks.Tho!

Artisi · March 13

2 hours ago, Olmate said:

Yep.Thats all true of course, I wasreferring to all.3 of us in.same boat in.that regard,, Qthanks.Tho!

It looks like they are getting the add-on's - if they are in Thailand I don't know why and certainly wouldn't ask centrelink why.

KhunHeineken · March 13

6 hours ago, Artisi said:

It looks like they are getting the add-on's - if they are in Thailand I don't know why and certainly wouldn't ask centrelink why.

Yet, when they eventually get the "We have overpaid you. You must pay it back" letter, they will ask, WHY? :smile:

rhodie · March 13

18 hours ago, Olmate said:

Yep.Thats all true of course, I wasreferring to all.3 of us in.same boat in.that regard,, Qthanks.Tho!

If they have recently been back in Australia, they would be getting the extras for 6 weeks before it reverts back.

Olmate · March 14

3 hours ago, rhodie said:

If they have recently been back in Australia, they would be getting the extras for 6 weeks before it reverts back.

All well beyond the.6.weeks tho, one.6 months,one many years, myself.4.months.

Seeall · Saturday at 03:57 AM

On 3/13/2025 at 10:02 AM, Olmate said:

Yep.Thats all true of course, I wasreferring to all.3 of us in.same boat in.that regard,, Qthanks.Tho!

First decent post I've seen getting to the point with less blah blah thanks everybody

Niftynev24 · 2025-03-20T11:59:14Z

I am just over 3 months away from doing my 2 years to get portability, That will be in the 29th June, I reach pension age on 19 th July.

My question is do I have to be in Australia for when the decision is made on my pension?, I have done over the 183 days.

Reason I am asking is my son needs to be back in time to start school on the 13th May, I asked the school if he can start two months later and come back with me, but they insist he must start on the 13 th May.

This means I will have to fly back with him set him up in school and leave him with the neighbours then fly back here and see out my last two months, seems a real hassle.

I would rather stay with him but I am worried it will effect me getting my pension.

Thank you for any help Nev.

By the way I used to be on here as nev, but lost my log in details. Cheers.

scorecard · 2025-03-20T12:49:29Z

22 minutes ago, Niftynev24 said:

I am just over 3 months away from doing my 2 years to get portability, That will be in the 29th June, I reach pension age on 19 th July.

My question is do I have to be in Australia for when the decision is made on my pension?, I have done over the 183 days.

Reason I am asking is my son needs to be back in time to start school on the 13th May, I asked the school if he can start two months later and come back with me, but they insist he must start on the 13 th May.

This means I will have to fly back with him set him up in school and leave him with the neighbours then fly back here and see out my last two months, seems a real hassle.

I would rather stay with him but I am worried it will effect me getting my pension.

Thank you for any help Nev.

By the way I used to be on here as nev, but lost my log in details. Cheers.

Some points I can share some details , perhaps you know these items already:

- You must be physically in Australia to get a CRN (Centrelink Reference Number), unless you already have one.

- You must be physically in Australia the day you lodge your application for the OAP (Note: You can lodge your OAP application at a C'Link office (that's what I did and they were very thorough, helpful and polite. Or you can lodge your OPA application by email or by post, C.Link will check the always live immigration records to establish your location at the date / time you lodge the application).

- At same CLink visit you can prove your identity: passport, birth certificate, Thai plastic drivers license with embedded photo and your full name in English, Plus one other plastic ID card with photo embedded.

- I was very lucky, my OAP was approved 16 days after I lodged the OAP application at the local C'Link office.

There's a toll free tel number from Thailand to C'Link in Australia. 0018006114136 or could be 0018006114136.

I've used this number many times, always answered quickly, good listeners, clear focused answers every time. They don't bite but as always don't reveal more personal info than needed.

Note that all calls to C'link are recorded and if needed they do go back to earlier calls if needed.

Can I suggest, make a list of questions and give them a call to get clear answers direct from C.Link

Good luck.

Niftynev24 · 2025-03-20T13:06:59Z

9 minutes ago, scorecard said:

Some points I can share some details , perhaps you know these items already:

- You must be physically in Australia to get a CRN (Centrelink Reference Number), unless you already have one.

- You must be physically in Australia the day you lodge your application for the OAP (Note: You can lodge your OAP application at a C'Link office (that's what I did and they were very thorough, helpful and polite. Or you can lodge your OPA application by email or by post, C.Link will check the always live immigration records to establish your location at the date / time you lodge the application).

- At same CLink visit you can prove your identity: passport, birth certificate, Thai plastic drivers license with embedded photo and your full name in English, Plus one other plastic ID card with photo embedded.

- I was very lucky, my OAP was approved 16 days after I lodged the OAP application at the local C'Link office.

There's a toll free tel number from Thailand to C'Link in Australia. 0018006114136 or could be 0018006114136.

I've used this number many times, always answered quickly, good listeners, clear focused answers every time. They don't bite but as always don't reveal more personal info than needed.

Note that all calls to C'link are recorded and if needed they do go back to earlier calls if needed.

Can I suggest, make a list of questions and give them a call to get clear answers direct from C.Link

Good luck.

Cheers pal I have the CRN, and I have been filling all the forms out, I am also filling out the seperated living under the same roof, as myself and my wife are seperated, her new partner owns the house we live in.

I have been living here since 30th June 2023, so not long to go for the two years is up, I have had a few short holidays while here nothing more then 3 weeks most two weeks.

I plan to submit my application on the 19th April which will be 13 weeks before my birthday.

With my son who has Aussie plus Thai citizenship he wants to come back with me, just that his school wants him back to start the new curriculum on 13th May..if I have to I will take him over then come back here wait out the decision.

Niftynev24 · 2025-03-20T13:10:37Z

18 minutes ago, scorecard said:

Some points I can share some details , perhaps you know these items already:

- You must be physically in Australia to get a CRN (Centrelink Reference Number), unless you already have one.

- You must be physically in Australia the day you lodge your application for the OAP (Note: You can lodge your OAP application at a C'Link office (that's what I did and they were very thorough, helpful and polite. Or you can lodge your OPA application by email or by post, C.Link will check the always live immigration records to establish your location at the date / time you lodge the application).

- At same CLink visit you can prove your identity: passport, birth certificate, Thai plastic drivers license with embedded photo and your full name in English, Plus one other plastic ID card with photo embedded.

- I was very lucky, my OAP was approved 16 days after I lodged the OAP application at the local C'Link office.

There's a toll free tel number from Thailand to C'Link in Australia. 0018006114136 or could be 0018006114136.

I've used this number many times, always answered quickly, good listeners, clear focused answers every time. They don't bite but as always don't reveal more personal info than needed.

Note that all calls to C'link are recorded and if needed they do go back to earlier calls if needed.

Can I suggest, make a list of questions and give them a call to get clear answers direct from C.Link

Good luck.

I do have Aussie passport, citizenship papers,birth certificate, Aussie driver's licence, Thai driver's licence, and the date I first arrived in Australia in 1980.

Should be enough.?

scorecard · 2025-03-20T13:35:59Z

23 minutes ago, Niftynev24 said:

I do have Aussie passport, citizenship papers,birth certificate, Aussie driver's licence, Thai driver's licence, and the date I first arrived in Australia in 1980.

Should be enough.?

Nowadays does Aussie Drivers license have an embedded photo. From memory they want to see 2 plastic cards issued by state agencies both with embedded photos.

scorecard · 2025-03-20T13:45:54Z

26 minutes ago, Niftynev24 said:

I do have Aussie passport, citizenship papers,birth certificate, Aussie driver's licence, Thai driver's licence, and the date I first arrived in Australia in 1980.

Should be enough.?

Just remembered an item which is often confused, the 2 year period starts from the day you re-entered Australia, NOT from the day you applied for the OAP, and NOT from the day it was approved.

I guess you're aware that you can do trips abroad during the 2 years and unless the trips are very extended in time the accumulation of the 2 years is not interrupted by the time out of Oz.

But note, after your OAP is approved your OAP payments stop for the period your outside of Oz but automatically recommence from the day you re-entered Oz.

Sorry I'm repeating but don't hesitate to use the toll free number from Thailand. There's no limit on how many time you can call them or on total time of phone calls.

still kicking · 2025-03-20T14:57:24Z

So for all posters who did not believe me this is my pension details my rent is 240 AUD per week 980 per fortnight

Payment Details

Age Pension: + $1051.30
Pension Supplement: + $83.60
Rent Assistance: + $212.00
Energy Supplement: + $14.10
Gross payment amount: + $1361.00
Net payment amount: + $1361.00

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