Does anyone know what, if any, benefits a Thai spouse may receive upon your death? I just received a Pension Update brochure from Centrelink (Australia) and it quotes "Your spouse may be entitled to receive a portion of your pension after your death", and "Depending on the number of years your pension has been paid prior to your death a lump sum benefit may be payable to your estate"' Anyone have more information on this?

ive not heard anything,but if true sounds like Abbot is trying to shore up votes

ive not heard anything,but if true sounds like Abbot is trying to shore up votes

I'm not sure if this anything new, I rarely bother to read these Pension Update brochures, so what I mentioned may well have been around for some time.

Just did some checking, I believe both people (husband and wife) have to be receiving Centrelink payments to be eligible for bereavement benefits.

@giddyup: Take a look at the URL below should clarify any immediate questions you have:

http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/widow-allowance

Old Bruce who knows he has only a couple of years to live could make some deal with a Thai bargirl, getting freebies til the end of his days once marrying her.

Old Bruce who knows he has only a couple of years to live could make some deal with a Thai bargirl, getting freebies til the end of his days once marrying her.

I understand your cynicism however, to my understanding from simple1's link above, the partner of any Aussie, to claim the Widow Allowance must have both lived in Australia for 10 years + and an Aussie resident.

I just hope that allowance is not portable if the Partner returns to Thailand ... because it's being reduced for the OAP's living in Thailand and stopped for those on the disability pension for those Aussies living abroad.

If it's fair enough for us ... it's fair enough for our partners.

Old Bruce who knows he has only a couple of years to live could make some deal with a Thai bargirl, getting freebies til the end of his days once marrying her.

I understand your cynicism however, to my understanding from simple1's link above, the partner of any Aussie, to claim the Widow Allowance must have both lived in Australia for 10 years + and an Aussie resident.

I just hope that allowance is not portable if the Partner returns to Thailand ... because it's being reduced for the OAP's living in Thailand and stopped for those on the disability pension for those Aussies living abroad.

If it's fair enough for us ... it's fair enough for our partners.

A bit off topic, but those currently receiving Aged Pension and living in Australia, no reduction in payments for portability, other than ceasing supplements payments. The increase from 25 to 35 year Working Life Residence criteria for full Aged Pension kicks in only if requesting portability for those who commence receiving payment from 01/07/2014. Payment would be pro rata if not meeting the full 35 year requirement. All confirmed to me by Centrelink as currently going through Aged Pension claim process.

If a Thai partner meets the criteria for widows allowance, I can see no reason why they should be denied portability, that would be discrimination.

Small reduction in the six monthly increases to Aged Pension, obviously adds up over time