Can Australians still claim the Aged Pension after relocating to Thailand?

I couldn't see it mentioned previously. Along with a time in Australia test, there's also an assets test. I think the primary residence is excluded, but self funded super balance, shares, term deposits, investment property, etc, are included. Some one on here will know more about this.

No. We are in the same situation, we are 62 this year, can claim the pension at 67.5 years. You must have been living back in Australia, I think it is for 2 years prior. Contact Centre link or check their website, the info is on there. We were meant to have moved to CM for semi retirement last year, of course that didn't happen. 😢 will get back as soon as we can.

You need to spend as much time as possible in Australia before you reach pension age. If you are not considered a resident the pension will not be portable for two years.

You can probably get assessed for the pension at 67 (if your 61 now), in fact you can start the to apply earlier than your 67th birthday! (Around 8 weeks earlier).

Best you look up the official Oz Govt websites or this place has a free check about eligibility etc,

Whenever you decide to actually move to Thailand (pension issue solved and all that)... Here is my advice... I live in Krabi Province (mid south Thailand - east of Phuket about 2+ hours drive)

Most every year and this year especially we have Expats who live near Chiang Mai posting on the local Facebook Groups here looking for a place to stay in Krabi... (Ao Nang, Koh Lanta, Klong Muang, etc.) for 2 to 3 months to get away from the dense smoke from the annual crop stubble burning all over that area - including parts of Laos and Myanmar (Burma)..

People from the greater Bangkok area are doing the same due to awful smog air quality problems.

I suggest research more - pick a place that will not affect your health.

No you can’t. We’re in our 7th year in Thailand & cannot get the pension until we return but need to stay in Australia for minimum of 2 years after that or it is cut off.

There is a 35 year residency criteria in order to get the full uninterrupted pension when relocating overseas. If you have this, you have ticked the first box. When you reach pension age, you must return to Australia to claim it (cannot be done from Thailand), and then remain in Australia for two years to meet the "portability" aspect of the pension

frankly, now is really a bad time, wait a little longer. Timing is everything.