Australian Aged Pension

[harrry]

There is a great deal of misinformation contained in the above postings.

I am an OAP living in Thailand with a young wife, in receipt of a comfortable Supernnuation, and still qualified for some Age Pension.

I am required to return to Oz after 26 weeks to remain eligible for the amount that I receive, as I have stuff to do in oz, and grandkids to visit, this is no hardship.

As many people have pointed out, the info is all available on the website, but may take a bit of finding. I would recommend writing or Emailing Centrelink with any queries, rather than phoning, you will then receive "hard copy " reply.

Incidentally, I worked for Centrelink for 26 years prior to retirement.

Brian, were you continuously resident in Australia when you applied for the OAP? If so, wouldn't you be entitled to your pension payments wherever you resided subsequently?

Do you mean you have to return to Australia every 26 weeks to remain eligible for the pension or to obtain certain benefits that you would not receive without returning? That is, would you still receive some of your pension if you didn't return?

When you suggest writing or emailing Centrelink are you referring to Centrelink International in Hobart?

Thanks for your advice.

OAP is payable permanently outside australia however after 26 weels you may have the allowences reduced....you will lose about $70 a month if you do not go back not the whole lot.

[Nignoy]

Good to see this post is still active, earlier working in europe was mentioned,centrelink have actually got a german pension dept staffed with germans, who are spot on with their information and service,bit off thread but we have sold the house and moved away from the dreaded Caboolture CL are now in the vicinity of toowoomba CL there are great , some of them can even read they made it very clear no problems with travelling or living overseas, so looks like at last our life is our own!!

[Xangsamhua]

OAP is payable permanently outside australia however after 26 weels you may have the allowences reduced....you will lose about $70 a month if you do not go back not the whole lot.

Thank you.

[Mason45]

I lived in Australia for 60 years before marrying my Thai wife 5 years ago. I've returned to Australia on each of those 5 years that I've lived in Thailand, normally 3-4 weeks each time and I hold a Thai non immigration visa/Thai wife. I still have my home in Melbourne, I still pay for the services to this property and I still have bank accounts etc in Australia. Nothings changed except I spend long extended holidays in Thailand. Several months ago I received a letter from the Joe Ludwig, the Minisister for Human Resources and the letter stated that to claim the Age Pension I would need to be an Australian resident and be present in Australia when I apply. If the department deems that I've broken my residential status which is highly likely then I would need to return to Australia for a minimum of 2 years before my residential status is restored. Does the 2 year qualifying period mean I can't leave Australia even for a holiday? The letter also stated that 1. the nature of my accommodation in Australia. 2. the nature and extent of my family relationships in Australia. 3. the frequency and duration of my travel outside Australia. Those 3 points would come under consideration when the departnent assessed my eligibilty. I honestly believe we're all fighting a battle for an entitlement that we can't win. A major problem for expats is that they're a minority group and politicians whether they be government or opposition never go into bat for minority groups because there's no points scoring for their popularity come election time. One reference given to me was : Centrelink International Services Phone : (03) 6222 2908 Nigel Males.

[fishhooks]

Mason

It could be that even though you are maintaining Australia as a home base and paying utilities and have a bank account, on paper it looks as though you are actually spending the majority of time in Thailand and only returning to Australia for a "short Holiday" rather than Thailand being the holiday.

From what I gather earlier in posts here, one needs prior to getting the pension, to demonstrate that Australia is to all intents and purposes your main place of residence.

After the grant of the pension, if a person moves overseas, after this proof of main existence in Australia, it seems it's much easier to hang on to the payment which I think is then reduced a bit.

I'm no expert, only taking in what I have read here.

[Artisi]

Go to Google and type in INT019.0910 - this brings up the Centrelink info "Are you leaving Australia?"

This discusses all options regarding leaving Australia / various pensions.

NOTE: INT019 is (number 0 not letter O)

If you are on an Age Pension (and not subject to former residence restrictions) you will get your pension while overseas - less a few items - probably health allowance, phone allowance etc - but your basic pension remains.

Edited February 25, 2010 by Artisi

[merlen10002]

I have been in Thailand for two years now, I get the age pension it is paid into my Thai bank each month one the 1st , never miss, I applied in Australia before coming to Thailand, I was assessed before they gave me the pension and it took some months before a got the pension, they back paid it to the date I applied, they dont miss a thing , and the amount of things you must prove it a lot, and they want documents to prove, I you may have to be in Australia to apply because it is not easy, you may do it on line but should ask Centerlink,, the office for overseas is in Tasmania the phone number is + 613-6222 3455, I phone them from Thai and they take the charges, I informed Centerlink that I was going to live in Thailand before I left Australia, I had to supply them with an address in Thailand, I was told by Centerlink that all Australian can receive the pension in any country they go to, I have had no 26 day reduction thing and was not told about it or was anything in all the imformation I was given by Centerlink, I get the same as anyone in Australia with the same amount of assets, best to contact Centerlink in Tasmania, their email is [email protected] or their address is GPO Box 273 Hobart 7001 Australia, They are very good and help with every thing,, I have had no problem, they answer email and with in a few days, same with a letter. if you tell them every thing as it is you will get the pension,, if you live with a Thai lady the may only give you half the pension, same if you work in Thai. I have always lived on my own in a room, and tell them that if you know what I mean ?

[bapak]

I have been in Thailand for two years now, I get the age pension it is paid into my Thai bank each month one the 1st , never miss, I applied in Australia before coming to Thailand, I was assessed before they gave me the pension and it took some months before a got the pension, they back paid it to the date I applied, they dont miss a thing , and the amount of things you must prove it a lot, and they want documents to prove, I you may have to be in Australia to apply because it is not easy, you may do it on line but should ask Centerlink,, the office for overseas is in Tasmania the phone number is + 613-6222 3455, I phone them from Thai and they take the charges, I informed Centerlink that I was going to live in Thailand before I left Australia, I had to supply them with an address in Thailand, I was told by Centerlink that all Australian can receive the pension in any country they go to, I have had no 26 day reduction thing and was not told about it or was anything in all the imformation I was given by Centerlink, I get the same as anyone in Australia with the same amount of assets, best to contact Centerlink in Tasmania, their email is [email protected] or their address is GPO Box 273 Hobart 7001 Australia, They are very good and help with every thing,, I have had no problem, they answer email and with in a few days, same with a letter. if you tell them every thing as it is you will get the pension,, if you live with a Thai lady the may only give you half the pension, same if you work in Thai. I have always lived on my own in a room, and tell them that if you know what I mean ?

My experience over the years is basically the same above. Minor correction. I think [email protected] should be international.services@centrelink.gov.au

[reallyok]

This topic has been brilliant and very informative,but I think that what it all boils down too is !!which muppet you talk to in Centrelink on the day, and what type of mood they are in!! as far as the staff in hobart are concerned, they are quite capable of cocking things up too just imagine being legally entitled to 3 aged pensions or parts thereof, plus an army pension, you can imagine the mountains of paper work and interviews required by centrelink, we have persevered and got used to the fact that as soon as we step on a plane isaanbound , we will be invited down to centrelink for a chat, just persevere folks, failing that, telling them to go forth and multiply or words to that effect helps too Nignoy

Spot on Nignoy !

I made 4 visits to Caboolture CL, saw 2 different persons and got different answers from a couple of 'dropkicks'.

Eventually one of them, after a lot of arguing, told me to ring a certain person at the 'Overseas Pensions' department.

He was a pleasant and informative person who told me not to take any notice of what i had been told and to call him back the next day.

The result being i have my full pension paid into my bank fortnightly less the medical and phone benifit.............simple !

I advise anybody living here in LOS to go direct to 'Overseas pensions' for satisfaction. The other lot are so busy scrapping with 'dole bludgers' that they lump us all together.

[reallyok]

So you are saying with surety, that if one is at the correct age of 65 (for most of us), have the allowable amounts of assets etc (allowing for the sliding scale of payment), are up-front with all your dealings with Centrelink, (wise anyway), you will be placed on the "International Status List" and can live overseas and be paid monthly (probably into an Australian bank account)

I am a little concerned now, as i have not contacted CL since nov 2009. My OA pension still appears in my Commonwealth Bank account every 14 days. Question now is, should i say nothing or should i "poke the wasps nest'

[fishhooks]

Re getting the payment in the first place though................I can't help thinking that during this 2 year residency seasoning, one should not indicate in any way that once the pension is granted, you intend to take it with you overseas.

This is of course different if you go to one of the countries that has an agreement with Australia, then I guess it doesn't matter.

I still feel one of the most difficult questions to balance is how much time you spend out of Australia during this critical 2 year period.

I reckon the issue becomes, particularly with those who spend a lot of time in say Thailand, being able to say (and perhaps prove) that your times out of Australia are purely for holidaying and visiting friends or family!

[sceadugenga]

This was sent to me by a friend today who has apparently typed it from the hard copy of the Adelaide Sunday Mail as I cannot find a link.

PENSIONER JETSETTERS

Loophole to close

A loophole in welfare laws has been allowing hundreds of disability support pensioners to use their pensions to travel overseas most of the year and keep second homes in popular South-East Asian holiday destinations.

The jet-setting lives of 776 disability support pensioners were discovered by a joint Centrelink and Department of Immigration investigation which found many were taking up to nine overseas trips a year.

The study uncovered 154 gold-class frequent flyers who spent at least 44 weeks a year overseas.

Of these, 71 spent less than a month in Australia and there were eight who might be described as

fly-in, fly-out pensioners, who spent only a week a year in Australia.

The loophole allows disability support pensioners to keep claiming the pension, which is now more than $700 a fortnight, if they return to Australia once every 13 weeks.

Thailand and the Philippines were the top locations for welfare recipients living in second homes overseas.

In both countries, $700 a fortnight is considered a small fortune and much more than the earnings of many people working full time.

Three-quarters of the destinations in the travel records from the 2008-2009 financial year were in South-East Asia.

Community Services Minister Jenny Macklin said the Federal Government would close the loophole that allows the 154 worst offenders to spend the majority of their time overseas, while costing taxpayers $3 million a year.

Centrelink will monitor DSP recipients who take more than three overseas trips a year to ensure they comply with new rules requiring that Australia be their principal place of residence.

[sceadugenga]

Found the link.

Link

Anyone potentially affected by this I'd be interested in getting a PM from them.

[fishhooks]

I think though, that the question of receiving Disability Pensions overseas is in a different bag to the situation with the OAP.

There has been at other times here, posts from people receiving a Disability Pension stating that they have great problems receiving such, as Centrelink deems that they should be in Australia receiving treatment for their disability.

Of course some disabilities are in place and do not require on-going treatment...................The problem though, this opens another can of worms for Centrelink to make a judgement on, with the usual varying and confusing result.

[sceadugenga]

The DSP is paid to people who are permanently disabled.

If the problems are treatable then Sickness Benefits are paid until the situation is corrected.

Medication can be take in any country; I know of people who can actually buy their medication over the counter here cheaper than they can in Australia with a prescription and pensioner's concession card.

[ozzydom]

The DSP is paid to people who are permanently disabled.

If the problems are treatable then Sickness Benefits are paid until the situation is corrected.

Medication can be take in any country; I know of people who can actually buy their medication over the counter here cheaper than they can in Australia with a prescription and pensioner's concession card.

This is not so, disability pension is paid to people receiving treatment for short and moderate term disorders such as depression etc. as well as those totally and permanently incapacitated.

The reason disability pension recipients are limited to the 3 month absence from Oz is that they are frequently required to attend medical examinations and appointments with department specialists regarding possible retraining options.

At a point in time (usually up to 5 years ,) the Commonwealth medical officer will make a decision as to whether or not you can ever re-enter the work force in some capacity, if they decide you will not then you will probably never hear from them again.

Edited March 30, 2010 by ozzydom

[sceadugenga]

I'm sorry your honorableness, but that is not so.

Edited March 31, 2010 by sceadugenga

[bridge]

The DSP is paid to people who are permanently disabled.

If the problems are treatable then Sickness Benefits are paid until the situation is corrected.

Medication can be take in any country; I know of people who can actually buy their medication over the counter here cheaper than they can in Australia with a prescription and pensioner's concession card.

This is not so, disability pension is paid to people receiving treatment for short and moderate term disorders such as depression etc. as well as those totally and permanently incapacitated.

The reason disability pension recipients are limited to the 3 month absence from Oz is that they are frequently required to attend medical examinations and appointments with department specialists regarding possible retraining options.

At a point in time (usually up to 5 years ,) the Commonwealth medical officer will make a decision as to whether or not you can ever re-enter the work force in some capacity, if they decide you will not then you will probably never hear from them again.

With respect that it incorrect.

I'm sorry your honorableness, but that is not so.

Agreed

[fishhooks]

Thus, would it be an 'uncomplicated' task to basically explain where the above highlighted posts are incorrect?

[bridge]

Thus, would it be an 'uncomplicated' task to basically explain where the above highlighted posts are incorrect?

You may be eligible for Disability Support Pension if you have an illness, injury or disability and you are not able to work for 15 hours or more per week at or above the relevant minimum wage or be reskilled for such work for at least the next 2 years because of your illness, injury or disability.

[ozzydom]

Thus, would it be an 'uncomplicated' task to basically explain where the above highlighted posts are incorrect?

Who can get Disability Support Pension?

If you can't work full-time because of a serious, "long-term" health problem or disability, you may be eligible for Disability Support Pension. "Long-term" means for two years or more (including permanently). Full-time work means work that is for at least 30 hours a week, at award wages.

At the time of applying you must be:

* aged at least 16 and under Age Pension age; and

* an Australian resident, or living in Australia at the time you claim (you must have 10 years qualifying residence unless your inability to work commenced while you were an Australian resident or you arrived as a refugee); and

* unable to work full-time for at least the next two years because of a long-term or permanent disability; and

* your illness or disability must be severe enough to attract a rating of at least 20 points on the DSS impairment tables.

Your income and assets and those of your partner must be below certain limits. You can claim Disability Support Pension if you are still at school provided you are aged 16 or older.

Wife Pension

Wife Pension (abolished in 1995) was available to the wifes of a disability support pensioner. People on wife pension in 1995 were able to remain on the pension as long as their partner continued to receive a Disability Support Pension (DSP).

Partner's DSP claimants may now be able to receive a different DSS payment, such as Partner Allowance, Parenting Allowance, Disability Support Pension, Sickness/Newstart Allowance (NSA), depending on the circumstances.

Blind People

Permanently blind people may qualify for DSP regardless of income or assets. There is a special test for blind pensioners. They may be eligible for Rent Assistance. Their partner has to meet income and asset test rules before they can get a married rate pension.

What happens when you get Disability Support Pension?

Disability Support Pension is reviewed regularly. Reviews occur every two or five years, if you start work, or if there is some chance that your work capacity will improve.

You will be asked to give medical information about yourself and you may also have to be examined by an independent medical adviser.

If you get Workers Compensation or Third Party Damages your pension might change. You must tell us about this before you can receive the money and before you spend any money you get from such a payout.

Payments if you go overseas

The Disabiliy Support Pension may be paid outside Australia for up to 12 months (in some cases beyond this). You may need a medical examination to confirm you are still qualified for payment. You must contact us if you decide to travel outside Australia to get a Departure Certificate. Without it, your Pension may be cancelled after four weeks absence.

Please visit the Centrelink site for more details Contact Info

Self explanatory ,

A friend of mine here receives the DSP on the strength of having a 2 year doctors certificate while he receives ongoing treatment ,he receives 80 % of the full pension rate. His illness is manic depression.

[sceadugenga]

Where did you get the link for this?

Qualification for disability support pension

(1) A person is qualified for disability support pension if:

(a) the person has a physical, intellectual or psychiatric impairment; and

(B ) the person's impairment is of 20 points or more under the Impairment Tables; and

© one of the following applies:

(i) the person has a continuing inability to work;

http://www.austlii.com/au/legis/cth/consol...991186/s94.html

No mention of two years there.

Your "friend" is in breach of the Act if he's been here more than 13 weeks. He wants to get his status sorted out now, he could well have to repay money.

Disability support pension

All persons

Any absence

13 weeks

http://www.austlii.com/au/legis/cth/consol...1186/s1217.html

And the exception.....

The Secretary may determine that a particular person's maximum portability period for disability support pension is an unlimited period, if all of the following circumstances (the qualifying circumstances ) exist:

(a) the person is severely disabled (see subsection 23(4B)); and

(B ) the person is receiving disability support pension; and

© the person is terminally ill; and

(d ) the person's absence from Australia is or will be permanent; and

(e) the purpose of the person's absence is:

(i) to be with or near a family member of the person (see subsection 23(14)); or

(ii) to return to the person's country of origin.

Edited March 31, 2010 by sceadugenga

[egg]

l dont know if this has been mentioned in other posts ,, but l just heard about a report in the Brisbane Sunday mail , that the government is about to crack down on DSP recipients living overseas while still claiming the pension ,,, just a word of warning in case its true ,,, not much to cheer about ,,, but cheers anyway

egg

[Old Croc]

l dont know if this has been mentioned in other posts ,, but l just heard about a report in the Brisbane Sunday mail , that the government is about to crack down on DSP recipients living overseas while still claiming the pension ,,, just a word of warning in case its true ,,, not much to cheer about ,,, but cheers anyway

egg

Read from post #402.

[fishhooks]

Is there much difference between the fortnightly rate for a Disability Pension and the OAP?

[rick75]

My Father was on a DSP for a couple of years prior to going onto the OAP, I don't think its a great difference, but there is in terms of perks, OAP get concessions on rates, water, power and phone maybe.

I am 100% certain that people who suffer from depression and substance abuse issues are eligible for a DSP.

Edited April 3, 2010 by rick75

[chokdee69]

I've been living in BKK for the past 5 years, returning to Australia for 3-4 weeks annually. I'm fast approaching 65 yo and I will pass every criteria to receive the age pension but I'm sure I'll fail the residential status test. I believe it takes a person 2 years to have his/her residential status restored, does that mean I have to stay in Australia for every consecutive day over a 2 year period. It does seem rather harsh if this happens to be the case as we had planned to share our time in both countries.

[sceadugenga]

I've sent you a PM chokdee69.

[Artisi]

I've been living in BKK for the past 5 years, returning to Australia for 3-4 weeks annually. I'm fast approaching 65 yo and I will pass every criteria to receive the age pension but I'm sure I'll fail the residential status test. I believe it takes a person 2 years to have his/her residential status restored, does that mean I have to stay in Australia for every consecutive day over a 2 year period. It does seem rather harsh if this happens to be the case as we had planned to share our time in both countries.

unfortunately YES, this was my own experience under very similar conditions - but if you care to check back into earlier posts, I discussed at length my dealings with Centerlink and the change from being classed as a former resident to resident and being granted an unrestricted OAP.

[ozzydom]

The following text is from the April 2010 edition of the Australian Pensioner News which is Centrelink,s official bulletin .

"Former Resident "rules

"Former Resident rules apply to Australian residents who have returned to live in Australia and claim certain payments. These rules will not generally affect people who are already receiving an Australian pension outside Australia. The rules do not apply to new Australian residents,only to people who have lived in Australia, then somewhere else,then returned to Australia.

If you are granted Age Pension, Disability Pension, or Bereavement Allowance upon return to Australia after a period living outside Australia, your payment may cease if you leave Australia again within two years.

Once you have remained an Australian resident for two years you are no longer affected by the " Former resident " rules and if you leave Australia your payment will be assessed under normal provisions.

If you are already living outside Australia and receiving an Australian payment and decide to return to Australia permanently , as long as your Australian payment continues you will not be affected by this two year requirement.

Current Single pension rate $16, 749.60

Pension Supplement 517.40

Total $17,266.60 divided into 13 equal payments of $1328.20 per month (28 days )

The above rates are for recipients residing outside Australia .