Australian Pension Portability Changes

[Freeman64]

I have just got off the phone to Centrelink in Australia and have been informed that the portability of Aust Govt Payments will change from 13 weeks to six commencing January 1, 2013.

In particular I am talking about the DSP.

I have a feeling this will affect a few Aussies in Thailand. It has not passed legislation yet but is given as recorded information when you call disability services.

It is a complete backflip on the rumours of extending portability indefinitely after July 1, 2012 under certain circumstances. I asked about this but it seems it is not happening.

Below is a copy of the information from the Budget Paper. Changes will be implemented on 1 January, 2013 (pending passage of legislation).

The link to the page is http://www.humanserv...national/10572

Budget 2012-13: Portability of Australian Government Payments

Description of measure

From 1 January 2013, the length of time social security and family assistance benefits will be payable outside Australia will change. The maximum period most payments and concessions will continue to be paid to you for a temporary absence outside of Australia, will be reduced to six weeks from 13.

The following payments will continue to be payable indefinitely, however the rate of payment will reduce after six weeks absence (due to the reduction in the Pension Supplement):

• Age Pension
  
• Payments made under the terms of an international social security agreement, and
  
• Disability Support Pension, Wife Pension and Widow B Pension (under certain limited conditions).
  

There are some exemptions to the six week rule, for example:

• Customers receiving certain payments who undertake approved study overseas as part of their full-time Australian course
  
• Family Tax Benefit (Part A) recipients will remain payable for up to three years for a temporary absence, but will reduce to the base rate at six weeks, and
  
• Customers who are already outside Australia on 1 January 2013 will not be affected until they return to Australia.
  

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The Centrelink rep told me to write a letter to Centrelink if you disagree with the changes. I suggested an email to Centrelink International Services which is in affect an appeal against the decision.

Comments and advice how to change this legislation are invited.

[kevjohn]

This might be better if it is included with this topic

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/552662-aussie-dsp/