Ask question

What are the rules for receiving the Australian pension while living in Thailand, especially regarding the required time in Australia?

Australian pension age pension visa conditions overseas pensions retirement visa expat living Thailand immigration Centrelink pension portability retirement regulations

May 8, 2024

6 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

May i ask ive been told to receive Australian pension in thailand you must be in Australia for a 2 year period before hand ??

And if so shorely you can have holiday travel in that period to and from Thailand im on a Thai retirement visa 

Thanks for any input 🙏🏻

7,536

views

10

likes

260

all likes

136

replies

4

images

31

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around the requirements for Australians to receive their pension while living overseas, particularly in Thailand. It is stated that to qualify for portability of the Australian Age Pension, one must have lived in Australia for two years within the last four years before applying. Travelers are permitted holiday travel during this period, but they must inform Centrelink. There are circumstances where limited holiday travel (often 4-6 weeks) is allowed as long as Centrelink is notified. Many commenters express frustration about the perceived unfairness of these regulations, especially regarding the necessity to live in Australia prior to claiming the pension while living abroad.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

Les ***********

I am now in Thailand living on a full New Zealand pension.

And no you can or cannot do this or that.

Also receive the yearly increments.

I still love NZ.

Not only about the pension.

Like

Reply

Richard ********

You end up just getting the basic pension ,the take off all the allowance’s

Like

Reply

Marky *******

Yep 90k a year tax free from Australia

Like

Reply

Prince******

wrong. Full Australian age pension is AU$27,560/year. If you are not tax resident in AU (eg. Live in TH >180days, then 32.5% is deducted at source, leaving only AU$18,603 or BT8600/week.

***********************************************************************************

*****

Like

Reply

Reply to

Prince******

Reply

Alan ******

the basic rule 35 years paying taxes in Oz for full pension, anything less a percentage paid worked out by Centrelink, after six months away from Oz you will lose all benefits and only receive a basic pension, and you can stay away as long as you like. And you must be in Oz to apply for the pension

Like

Reply

Alan ********

yes

Like

Reply

Brenton ******

I'm a Kiwi who has lived half my working life in Australia and half in NZ. I now live in Thailand. I went through all of this with Centrelink and decided to leave without any pension but for different reasons to Aussies. Under the pension agreement with NZ we get the Aussie pension means tested if we are living in Australia but the NZ government pay Centrelink half of it, in my case half because I lived half in each country. No worries there until I wanted to get my pension made portable to go live in Thailand. Kiwis on age pension in Australia aren't allowed to make their pension portable yet Australian citizens are allowed to. So as long as I stay in Aussie they'll pay me my pension but if I leave they'll stop it. Seems Australia is still discriminating against people based on nationality.

So if I go back to NZ and apply for my age pension they will give it to me, and Aussie pays up their half. Then I have to live there as a resident for at least 183 days of the year then apply for portability. It's all about where I reside. I just have to convince them I'm residing in NZ long enough, like 12-18 months then make it portable. But good old Aussie government won't pay their half to the NZ government once it goes portable because they don't pay their half if I don't stay in NZ! So I only get the NZ half made portable.

Oh and if I sell my house that was my primary dwelling after leaving Australia I lose my primary dwelling tax status and I become an overseas resident for tax purposes, and need to pay 32.5% of any capital gains I've made on the property, not from when I leave the country but going right back to 2003 when I bought it even though for 20 years it was my primary dwelling. But that goes for Australian citizens too not just Kiwis. You lose your primary tax status too, so look into it if you're going to rent out your home.

Like

Reply

Les ***********

The Aussie Govt. has ripped New Zealanders off for years. They did or do the same with healthcare.

Like

Reply

Brenton ******

@Les **********

you tell me why if I choose to stay in Australia they’ll pay us our pension yet if we want to live overseas they won’t? Where is the logic other than discrimination is still alive and well amongst Aussies

Like

Reply

Les ***********

Yep!

Like

Reply

Reply to

Les ***********

Reply

Prince******

that’s so unfair! You have my sympathy! Yes, I recently discovered the 32.5% “gotcha”, which means I will probably have to retire on a 3:3:3:3 basis (alternating 3 months in AU:TH), being a tourist in Thailand on 60-day+visa-on-entry(2 allowed per year) and tax-resident in AU, only because I dont have enough super/assets and will be dependent on age pension. In fact it works out ok as I can get good travel insurance instead of the crap thai health insurance for o-visa holders. Main drawback is I will have to live in airbnbs in TH or pay rent in TH while in AU. It seems the most tax effective way that allows me to keep au benefits/health and half my time hedonistic thai lifestyle 😎

Like

Reply

Reply to

Prince******

Reply

Sonny ******

Just don't report to centerlink, don't transfer your pension to Thai bank account let it keep in your AU account and use WISE to transfer

Like

Reply

Richard ********

They know as soon as you leave the country you don’t have to tell them as soon as your passport is used Centrelink is notified

Like

Reply

Sonny ******

@Richard *******

age pension you get little less money living overseas

Like

Reply

Colin *********

of course you get less, because part of the Pension possibly around 17-18% is rent assistance, maybe $3-$4 Pharmaceutical allowance, plus a few dollars of some other allowances in Australia

Like

Reply

Sonny ******

@Colin ********

yap Package of smoke here is $40 so I will save more in Thailand lol

Like

Reply

Colin *********

if you live in Thailand, you'll be able to save a lot of the money you spend on 'smokes', just breathe in the air from February to April when the 'burning season' is on. 🤣😢

Like

Reply

Reply to

Colin *********

Reply

Colin *********

foolish advice; that's only going to get people in trouble!

Like

Reply

Reply to

Colin *********

Reply

Les ***********

An Australian is able to live overseas on the Australian pension full time.

Go to Centrelink and ask them.

Because there are one or two do's and don'ts.

There are many retired Aussie's living full time in Thailand, Philippines and Bali.

Just make your enquiries at Centrelink.

Like

Reply

Paul ********

@Les **********

unlike the UK pension, the Aussie pension is means tested. So if you have worked hard and saved money for your retirement and have more than is listed below, then you get nothing.

Your situation

Homeowner Non-homeowner

Single $301,750 $543,750

A couple,

combined $451,500 $693,500

A couple,

separated

due to illness,

combined $451,500 $693,500

A couple, one

partner eligible,

combined $451,500 $693,500

It is also outrageous that they changed the goal posts by increasing the retirement age from 65 to 67 then insist that you spend those two years living there to qualify for a pension which you should be receiving already!!

Like

Reply

Colin *********

have you ever lived in Australia? You're quoting Australian pension rates and speak about pension qualifying ages, but don't mention anything about the taxation system and how pensions funds are raised.

This is what I understand: a UK pension is contribution based, meaning a person has to 'contribute' throughout their working life, 'separately' from the tax system which pays for day to day goods and services. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's how I've seem it explained more than once. If that's correct, then if one didn't 'contribute', one wouldn't receive a pension, right?

Australian Pensions are tax based, meaning that pensions come from taxes collected throughout the year. Everyone pays (or at least is legally obliged to) taxes every year, through income taxes and "Goods and Services Taxes" (GST, a tax on such things as foodstuffs, clothing, Utilities etc.). When an Australians start receiving the Aged Pension, they may not be working any longer and therefore, not paying Income Tax. They do however, still contribute towards taxes when paying for things such as foodstuffs, clothing, Electricity, etc. etc. (GST)

If an a Australian leaves the country to live overseas and they're no longer contributing anything to the Australian Tax System, if they no longer qualify as Residents for Tax Purposes, then the Government can rightly say that they're no longer entitled to an Australian Pension.

Like

Reply

Prince******

@Colin ********

correct. To further clarify, if cease to be tax resident then must pay 32.5% tax on the age pension. The pension is treated as taxable income but is low enough that you can take advantage of the tax-free threshold. Heaven forbid you should have a UK pension too, since AU will then deduct 40% before passing the remainder on to you 😢. This is all simplified of course, and doesn’t take into account other assets one might have, which could impact tax rates or pension amount. I’m 55 and going through divorce - my c@nt of an ex is trying to take half my (private) pension, which would mean a very bleak retirement as I dont have much to start with (having made the mistake of not saving into pension whilst self-employed). When I consider how good ex-partners have it at law in AU re $$, it puts the hard work of Thai ladies servicing ugly old expats into a different light. There is no safety net to speak of I. Thailand except one’s children and what you can earn whilst still beautiful.

Like

Reply

Paul ********

@Colin ********

Yes, I have lived in Australia for the last 25 years and have recently retired in Hua Hin. Australia funds the pension via income tax, so the more you earn the more you pay, unlike national insurance contributions which are not income related. If you are a dole bludger in Australia, you still get a pension even if you never worked or contributed. Australia, is one of the highest taxed countries in the world with an average income tax rate of 24.9%. You are mistaken in your assumption of pension qualification. There are lots of Austalians living overseas drawing an Australian pension, providing that they comply with the increasingly unfair conditions to be able to claim a pension they have paid for their whole working life and to have that denied because they choose to live elsewhere because Austalia is no longer the land of dreams due to increased cost of living and crime is disgraceful. I have worked in Australia for 25 years and have contributed much much more towards a pension than I did in the UK. However, in the UK I qualify for back paying NI contributions for ten years which will give me a pension independent of Australia even though I haven't resided there or been a tax resident for over 25 years, it is not means tested and does not have unfair conditions trying to cheat me out of receiving what I am entitled to! My friend who is 50 will NOT receive any pension whatsoever, even though they are paying the same tax rate as people who will receive a pension. If you think that is fair and moral then you are deluded!

Like

Reply

Colin *********

Take into account the 'whole tax system of countries' when comparing different countries' taxes, not just some, or the 'main' taxes people think of. In 2021, the OECD average for overall taxes across the world was 34.8%. It showed that The UK stood at 33.5% & Australia at 29.2%. Have a read of this article right to the end. The whole story put Australia considerably ahead of the UK, two countries that you're comparing, so the unfairness of Australia that you're claiming when referring to the "increasingly unfair conditions" may be 'balanced out' by comparing the "whole" story.

Like

Reply

Paul ********

@Colin ********

I stand by my comments that Australia is cheating it's citizens of what they are entitled to! Even though you were not born in Australia, it seems that you have been indoctrinated to not be able to bring yourself to admit that Australia is not the utopia that it once was!

Like

Reply

Colin *********

I'm not saying that Australia is the country that it once was, but I doubt that any country is. I'm comparing "apples with apples" though, not apples with oranges, as is the case with a couple of commentors here.

Like

Reply

Paul ********

@Colin ********

Nobody was talking about taxes until you raised it! The subject was about how unfair Australia was making it for their citizens to retire overseas by making them live there for two years to qualify for something they are entitled to! It's typical for someone to divert the point of a debate to point out an unrelated matter rather than admit the injustice!

Like

Reply

Colin *********

you raised the subject of assets and at what point they qualify or disqualify Australian Residents receiving the Pension. Australian Aged Pensions are funded directly from Taxes, so my point is relevant, as is still paying taxes through GST when receiving the Pension, thus when moving overseas, the Government's 'right' as they see it, to put some rules in place for Pensioners who choose to live overseas and therefore no longer contribute to GST.

Like

Reply

Les ***********

@Colin ********

Don't forget that those pensioners who living overseas.

Have paid taxes for many years.

Plus when they are living overseas .

They are not using the health system or receiving any other benefits.

Like

Reply

Colin *********

@Les **********

I'm aware and my comments are directed towards those complaints about Pensioners being 'dealt with harshly' when living overseas and those Pensioners forgetting, or not being aware of the fact that Pension payments come from the continuing revenue raised in part, by GST, that Pensioner recipients living overseas are likely no longer contributing to, where Pensioners living in Australia are.

Read all my comments in this post, if you haven't already, where I've pointed out also, the different tax systems used by Australia and countries such as the UK and how pensions are raised.

Like

Reply

Les ***********

@Colin ********

Pensions were being paid long before GST. was in existence.

Do don't hand us that one.

There is no reason why Australian's should not be paid the pension overseas except for over zealous politicians playing with things that should be left to those who worked and have the right to the pension wherever ever they live.

Like

Reply

Colin *********

Oh and by the way,

, I would happily live without governments and all their rules and regulations, but then that would probably be a world of chaos and problems itself

Like

Reply

Reply to

Colin *********

Reply

Keith ********

@Craig *********

Like

Reply

David ********

Have heard similar. But Once you are on an aged pension you can travel overseas for as long as you want. 1st 6 weeks no issues. Up to 26 weeks you lose utility benefits so it's base pension only. After 26 weeks its the 35 year continuous time tax payer to recieve full base pension. Anything under is on a sliding scale. Now the tricky bit. If you stay out of the country for over 6 weeks and return. I've heard you cannot leave the country within 2 years without risk of losing the pension full stop. Best to contact centrelink and discuss with them and get it in writing.

Like

Reply

Ron **********

I worked and paid taxes for almost 50 years. For the last 8 years I spent 6 months of every year, except the Chinese Virus ones, in Thailand.

I advise Centrelink of my away dates and invariably lose the aged pension supplement and pharmacy allowance after a month or three. I don't recall exactly.

I keep a residence and my Oz bank accounts going.

Reportedly I'm 'grandfathered' under older Centrelink rules and aren't penalized when I leave Australia for a lengthy period every year. I seem to have fallen into a 'sweet spot' with big brother Centrelink, and have never lost the basic pension🙏

Like

Reply

David ********

Tks. That's what I'm looking to hear. It's confusing that's why I said just speak to centrelink.

Like

Reply

Prince******

us young’uns are screwed. I notice a scary pattern with the retirement age increasing by 6 months every 2 years. I’m 55, could mean I never reach the moving goalpost! 😓😓

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

yep ...the opposition are looking to extend the eligibility for pension to 70 !!!! Hopefully that plan alone will keep them out of office for a very long time . 👌

Like

Reply

Colin *********

as

said, you'll probably have to be 70 years old to qualify for the Pension. Google "if I'm 55 years old now, what age will I have to be to get the aged pension?" it will give you groups of 'birth years'. And ages those in those groups will qualify. I think those born between 1956 and either 1962 or 1964 qualify at 67 years old, where I fit in. I'm almost certain that the increasing age to qualify for the pension is due to the fact that the population is increasing at a rate where 'experts' believe that sometime in the near future, there won't be enough taxpayers to afford to pay for pensions.

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

@Colin ********

the govt have to find 500 billion for their subs from somewhere

Like

Reply

Colin *********

Like

Reply

David ********

Could be 70 by the time your due to get an aged pension.

Like

Reply

Reply to

David ********

Reply

Andrew *******

terrible and discriminating ...many now can't afford to live in Australia !! It's becoming a penalty colony again

Like

Reply

Reply to

Andrew *******

Reply

Greg ******

Australia sounds like a prison camp.

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

it fu*"''. "is !! No escape

Like

Reply

David ********

Just rules and regulations. But in the end you get a pension while your out of the country. Even retire in another country if you like. And still have your govt pension

Like

Reply

Paul ********

people have already paid for their pension and should receive it regardless. Australia will also benefit as the pensioner will not be claiming medicare or any concessions. They just want thier cake and eat it as the pension will not be spent in Australia so they can't tax it again and again and......

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

Unfortunately very true

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

I am sure this is one of the main reasons ...not being able to tax you .....even tho you are saving the govt and taxpayers thousands more by being out of the country . !

Like

Reply

Colin *********

Australian Aged Pension is tax based, meaning that taxes that are collected throughout the year, pay for the Pension. If Australian Pensioners live in Australia, buy clothes, buy food, etc. etc., they are paying tax on those goods and services and in turn paying for Pensions. If they leave to live in another country, they're no longer paying Australian taxes. The UK and some other countries that pay a 'reasonable' pension have a different system, where they pay contributions on a regular basis, which is then 'paid back' to them as a Pension when they retire. That's separate from the tax system from what I've seen mentioned, but apparently they're not 'restricted' as some might put it, like Aussie Pensioners. Still, they've paid for their pensions, 'on top' of the taxes they've paid throughout their working life. Governments 'get you' one way or another, whatever country one lives in.

Like

Reply

Jae *******

@Colin ********

What is your point?

Like

Reply

Colin *********

my point is that while there are certain rules in regards to receiving an Australian Aged Pension, those rules don't make Australians worse off than comparable countries from what I've been able to discern from a bit of online research. Some seem to be making the Australian Government almost seem like they're like a country that commit atrocities against its people. Eligible Australians that choose to live overseas still get the base Aged Pension. The part they don't get are the 'supplements' such as Rent Assistance for a dwelling in which they're living and a couple of other very small concession amounts. Those supplements vary from person to person and depending on circumstances. If f not living in Australia, a Pensioner isn't contributing to the Tax revenue in any way, unlike Pensioners living in Australia (who pay GST, if not Income Tax).

Like

Reply

Andy ******

@Colin ********

what you mean the UK and some other countries that pay a reasonable pension ,the UK is one of the most poorest pensions in Europe ,based 15th on the list ,Just above the Breakeven point of cost of living ,the English government made sure they are not giving you too much for sure !!!

Like

Reply

Paul ********

@Colin ********

How a country collects the funding to pay a pension is irrelevant! What is relevant is how a country defrauds it's subjects because the people running it are economically inept! The pension funds have already been taxed (at one of the highest rates in the World), are you advocating that they should have the right to tax that money again before paying the pension? And they say Thailand is corrupt!

Watch this space,Australia's society is already dropping and will collapse completely in the next 20 years when nobody retiring, receives a pension and are relying solely on their superannuation. The gap between the poor and wealthy will be huge and I for one am happy that I will not have to experience it.

Like

Reply

Colin *********

your reference to Australia and the gap between the rich and the poor, is laughable when you have, in the past, lived in both the UK and Australia, supposedly a couple of the wealthier countries and now live in Thailand, a poorer Asian country where your pensions, savings etc would most likely put you in the above average group of 'wealth' where in the countries you formerly lived in, were likely below average. Now, put yourself in the below average group of wealthy people in Thailand and let's see you compare the countries

Like

Reply

Reply to

Colin *********

Reply

Greg ******

Tracking passports, limits to time outside the country, reporting of residence?

These people were forced to pay for this, it should not have disqualifiers for trivial BS.

Like

Reply

Colin *********

what country do you live in? What country were you born in? Whatever your answer to those two questions, I'm sure that there are rules that have to be followed. For example, if you live in Thailand, there are rules that foreigners have to follow that Thai Nationals don't, like regular reporting of your residence. Forms to fill in after you return from a trip outside Thailand and, from what I've read, even if you visit another Province for more than a day. Foreigners have to get a Visa, such as a 'Marriage' or Retirement Visa, then get an extension every year to be allowed to stay. Once a foreigner comes to Australia and obtains permanent residence, that's it, no more forms for residency status. Every country has it's rules and everyone is 'expected' to live by them, though many don't.

Like

Reply

Greg ******

@Colin ********

That does not make those rules ethical or correct. A country should not track its residents or citizens and should not have stupid requirements to get back money that was stolen from them during their employment.

Can you acknowledge that some rules are complete BS?

The TM 30 requirement is one of them.

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

it's the sort of thing you expect from countries with authoritarian regimes !!

Like

Reply

Colin *********

you didn't answer my questions, so I assume that you're living in Thailand and maybe illegally from your response to me. Though, I'm the case of Thailand, I can't understand why they require all the reporting and paperwork from foreigners who have legally decided to call Thailand 'home' when it doesn't ask the same of it's own Nationals, Natives. If you are living in Thailand and don't like the rules, they won't stop you returning to the country you were born in. If you're in this group and hate Thailand's rules so much, why are you still in the group?

Like

Reply

Greg ******

@Colin ********

I must comply with the rules, I have no choice. Where I came threatens me for hiring people for work without getting permission. It is insanity.

Like

Reply

Greg ******

@Colin ********

Where I live and the passport I hold are irrelevant, to acknowledging the real situation. Many countries are becoming prison camps. An indicator is countries with exit immigration and BS requirements.

Like

Reply

Colin *********

whatever

Like

Reply

Greg ******

@Colin ********

Acknowledgment that government requirements are BS is far too much for most people. Yet, it is the first step to getting change.

Like

Reply

Greg ******

@Colin ********

Can you acknowledge that the Aussie pension requirements are BS?

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

absolutely 👍👌

Like

Reply

Reply to

Andrew *******

Reply

Gregory *******

I'm one year into my two year stay going back to visit wife July for three weeks haven't seen her for 8 months .Yet to find out about pension is it stopped on my visit.

Like

Reply

Jae *******

@Gregory ******

Do you know how long you can stay outside Australia per year, out of interest?

Like

Reply

Colin *********

@Gregory ******

just make sure you notify Centrelink ahead of leaving (probably 1 week+) and you shouldn't have any problems for a 3 week holiday. I'm not sure, but I think that it's only if you're gone for something like 4 or 6 weeks plus, that issues arise (I'm only going on what I've read in the Australians In Thailand Fb group)

Like

Reply

Gregory *******

@Colin ********

really Colin wow 😳 I hope so I need that money to give to wife don't they realise what we are going through. Thankyou you have raised my spirits.

Like

Reply

Colin *********

@Gregory ******

good luck with your holiday

Like

Reply

Gregory *******

@Colin ********

it's going to be a holiday to remember.

Like

Reply

Colin *********

@Gregory ******

I'm sure it will be a holiday to remember. I had a holiday to remember in Thailand 18 months ago and really looking forward to getting back asap and back to a wonderful lady.

Like

Reply

Gregory *******

@Colin ********

my wife and I live in photaram rachaburi province wife had pork business in collapsed after swine flu and cov.

Like

Reply

Colin *********

@Gregory ******

sad to see businesses close due to circumstances beyond the owners control ☹️

Like

Reply

Reply to

Colin *********

Reply

Andrew *******

@Gregory ******

terrible ...it's disgusting and discriminatory

Like

Reply

Reply to

Andrew *******

Reply

Christopher *************

Do it or lose it. Your Governments rules and they are serious about it and enforcing it. Happened to a friend of mine.

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

Two years does not mean "not leaving the country" for two years. "Holiday travel" is fine provided it looks and smells and adds up to a holiday.... So if you live in Thailand 183 days of the year (or more) with your Thai girlfriend/wife on a Thai retirement visa in the condo you bought/long term leased (for her or in your name or jointly), have little or no Aussie family , you have sold your old Aussie house (or leased it out) and moved your banking overseas and you have just come “home” to make the pension application, well, looking at the excellent DSS guide, I reckon you are in for a hard time.😁😄😆👍

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

you deserve it like everyone else shouldn't be discriminatory ....if you've worked and paid your taxes and you are eligible there shouldnt be stipulations like this ..do other countrirs do anything similar ....I doubt it . In France it'd cause riots in the streets if they tried to do this !!!!

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

Pretty much everything we do has some sort of rules. Drinking, driving, drugs, murder. Smart people learn to live with them. Once you have a pension you can take it overseas and do all the things in my post. The question was about the two years before you have a pension. Put up with rules for a long term gain.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Andrew *******

Reply

Jae *******

I'm going to get proper legal advice on this in due course, but it seems like on a whim they can decide you're a non residents because there seems to be no hard or fast rules...

Basically the only way to absolutely ensure portability is to not leave Australia for 2 years.

********************************************************

***

/

****

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

that would be a nightmare ...not being able to escape from OZ for two years ...it's the return to a penalty colony !!😞

Like

Reply

Jae *******

I'm 61 now but not looking forward to ages 65 and 66 if I have to spend the majority of the time in Australia.

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

absolutely ...crazy stipulation ...saving the taxpayer hundreds of thousands by being os and not claiming any benefits !! I don't get it !!

Like

Reply

Reply to

Andrew *******

Reply

Bob ********

It seems to be the luck of the draw, we live in Aus, are both retired and get the pension with some extras. We visit Thailand regularly, taking advantage of cheap fares that sometimes pop up. Often we find. The rent assistance allowance stops, or they cancel our pension card, or concessions we get for power or gas, stop. Then a week after we get home, we get letters saying we have to apply for the power concession again. Or a new pension card arrives in the mail. Last trip in November nothing was stopped after 8 weeks away. We are off again on Saturday for a couple of months so will be interested to see what happens this time. I never tell them I'm leaving, as I usually get a MyGov message an hour after going through immigration.

Like

Reply

Nick **********

"They" know when you are sleeping, they know when your awake, they know if your here or gone, so be an obedient slave to "your" government masters.

Like

Reply

David **********

If you leave for 6 weeks it stops if you don't tell centrelink it stops

Like

Reply

David **********

immigration tells them you advise services Australia be fore you go and they stop rent assistance if longer than 6 weeks. If you don't tell them the stop it when you leave. Big brother at its best/worst

Like

Reply

Peter ********

I’m going to say it but you get rent assistance from the Australian taxpayers yet you can go away on holidays frequently and for a couple of months, they should stop paying you any extra benefits permanently if you can afford the holidays. This is exactly why we have all these rules and regulations now, have a think about it before you come back at me with something unfriendly.

Like

Reply

Bob ********

mate I am open to that, but as I said we are retired, we have a granny flat agreement and Jetstar or scoot offer $200 fare to Thailand, why not, A taxi to the airport cost $150 even though we go on the train. My point was their seems to be no set rules, and why should we sit a 11c temperatures in Victoria paying $60 a week heating bills when we can be in Thailand for $200 and no big bills. I have had 60 years of paying taxes, so it's nice to claw a bit back occasionally. Plus I don't write the laws, I just abide by them and claim what they say I can claim

Like

Reply

Mma *******

good stuff mate enjoy yourself.

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

there are definitely top level rules about the provision of each of the services you referred to. But then in order to apply those rules there are decision making guidelines for the Centrelink employee that is delegated to apply the rules. Where it gets grey, is that each time you travel, the travel will not be exactly like the last time you travelled and, along with that, it is open to that Centrelink employee to interpret the guidelines as they personally understand them. Sometimes your travel fits the guidelines perfectly so the decision making is easy. Sometimes the combination of factors about your travel is complicated. Then again some Centrelink employees might be said to understand the rules and guidelines well and others maybe a bit less so. From there, inconsistencies will always arise.

Like

Reply

Prince******

it’s actually not that complicated if you read the statements on Centrelink website.

First re. Age pension, need to be in Australia when apply and for 2 years before pension age. Full age pension requires you to have been resident 35 years (see Australian Working Life Residence)

*********************************************************

***

/a/340

It is pro-rated if <35 years (and no, you only need to have been resident, not working and no holidays dont reduce your time).

Second, Rent Assistance (up to about $184/fnite) requires that you are paying rent and stops when your associated payment stops, in most cases this would be the Age Pension (AP). AP can be paid in full for first 26 weeks overseas but then you lose some of the supplementary payments (electricity etc) after that but still get AP overseas (provided you met the portability condition - 2-year thing). So as long as you still qualify for AP and are tax resident in AU (ie. in AU >=26wks/yr), you get full AP and full Rent Assistance (RA).

Thirdly, Pensioner Concession Card…this is valid as long as you get AP and is independent of RA.

Finally, it sucks if you are on Disability Pension (DP),which pays same as AP, since DP stops after 4 weeks away, which triggers RA and Pensioner Card to stop too. Sort of makes sense since they expect you to be miserable and unable to go anywhere if you are disabled lol. So, clear as mud eh?! For sure though it isn’t open to the whims of a Centrelink employee and you can lodge objection if you think they stiffed you. My tip is, get across and stay across the rules while we still have all our marbles because understanding all this when 70+ is so much harder!

Like

Reply

Ham ********

so say I'm in Thailand now , go back when I'm 67 i would then have to wait till i am 69 before returning permanently to Thailand? That's how I understand it

Like

Reply

Colin *********

if you're not already in the Australians In Thailand group, you might want to join and ask questions there and also search the group for answers on Aged Pension. There's a lot of information available, but keep in mind that everyone's circumstances are different and also that there are some members that seem to be well informed and others that 'think they know'. As some say, if you want accurate information about the Aged Pension and living overseas, queries should be directed to the Services Australia International Department, which is based (only) in Tasmania. Other offices apparently don't always give correct information about living outside Australia & being in the Pension.

Like

Reply

Ham ********

@Colin ********

thank you i just needed reassurance as my mate did it that way

Like

Reply

Colin *********

Correct, if you're wanting to claim the Australian Aged Pension and you're living outside the country when you turn 67, which is the current age to be eligible (that depends on your year of birth though), you'd come back to Australia and then have stay 2 years before receiving the Pension. From what I've read from Aussies on Facebook, I believe, but don't take my word without checking with Services Australia, that Centrelink do allow limited overseas holidays during that 2 year 'qualifying' period, but you would need to let them know if you intend to leave the country. They'll know if you're leaving the country and I'd assume that you'll be penalised somehow for not informing them before leaving.

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

I understand how it works. I wasn’t trying to explain how it works. I was trying to explain how different trips could lead to different outcomes. But thanks for the heads up.

Like

Reply

Bob ********

Thanks for that, I have never made sense of how it works

Like

Reply

Reply to

Bob ********

Reply

Steve ***********

************************************************************

Like

Reply

Peter *********

@Steve **********

the 2 yrs only refers to a woman widowed going by that link... 😳 😀

Like

Reply

Steve ***********

@Peter ********

Like

Reply

Reply to

Steve ***********

Reply

Greta *****

No handouts to pensioners in Australia. Only for the rich people and if you work for the government. If you want to enjoy your pension overseas,you'll have to suffer and live in Australia first ☹️

Like

Reply

Ben **********

Aussie government are happy to provide criminals from 3rd world countries free housing, health care and social security benefits.

As an Aussie born and raised, it was once a fantastic country but now the term "absolute shit hole" doesn't do it enough justice.

Pathetic weak leadership.

Like

Reply

Nathan ***********

couldn’t agree more. I’ve come to hate living here. It no longer feels like home. We return to Thailand next month.

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

totally agree ..it's turned to shite in OZ

Like

Reply

Greta *****

It's called SHITralia now

Like

Reply

Ben **********

I prefer Asstralia

Like

Reply

Greta *****

Thailand is just the opposite of Australia. Modest and happy people. Not greedy and grumpy. And the kids in Thailand are disciplined and respectful. Not wild pigs like the Aussie kids

Like

Reply

Ben **********

same here in Vietnam ..I'll never live in Australia again..particularly Melbourne

Like

Reply

Greta *****

I'm in Melbourne now and I'm planning my escape. Can't stand this place. But I prefer Thailand over Vietnam

Like

Reply

Ben **********

good luck, I hope you can leave. Living in Melbourne really is a soul destroying existence.

Like

Reply

Greta *****

100%. Melbourne is a soul sucking place. And this whole country is going to be consumed by migrants and people who don't believe in peace very soon ☹️

Like

Reply

Reply to

Greta *****

Reply

Greta *****

If they actually spent their money wisely instead of giving it away millions to crooks who run NDIS 'services' but instead abusing the poor patients ,maybe they had enough left to give it to the people that really need it. And don't forget about all the millionaire constructor workers. They make more money than a professor in the university!

Like

Reply

Ben **********

albanese is a man with a fork in a world of soup. Totally out of touch with reality. Forget Biden..this potato headed virtue signalling fool is the one in need of a mental acuity test.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Ben **********

Reply

Ben **********

Like

Reply

Reply to

Ben **********

Reply

Andrew *******

its fu*""' ed ...they shouldn't make it difficult ...but of course they do . True ... everything for the rich and govt workers everyone one else go to hell ....

Like

Reply

Reply to

Andrew *******

Reply

David **********

You have to be living in Australia at application time you need to have 2 years from the past 4 years in Australia

Like

Reply

David **********

Covid period was not taken into account

Like

Reply

David **********

Yes that's why it's 2 of the last 4 years my cousin was in thailand 6 months of the year every year he came back early to make sure he had enough time

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

@David *********

COVID prevented return to Australia for 2 and a half years ...I think up to mid 2022 for WA ...is this taken into consideration ...should reduce the 2 years to 1 yr 6 months ...

Like

Reply

David **********

My cousin just applied

Like

Reply

David **********

no for pension you need 2 years minimum out of 4

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

@David *********

but surely you can have holiday overseas ! This is crazy ?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Andrew *******

Reply

Ian ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@David *********

🙏🏻

Like

Reply

Reply to

Ian ********

Reply

Jae *******

I've yet to see a clear answer on this question...

Surely the same time period applies to everyone?

So for the 2 years, how many days per year are you allowed outside Australia?

Like

Reply

Alan ********

so many variants how long living in Australia working in Australia paying tax how long overseas different pension types defence disability if you left Australia prior to pension granted then must return for 2 years. The 35 years in Australia can negate some rules then under that can reduce your pension for portability. It's work to get all the right information for all the different scenarios.

Like

Reply

Andrew *******

this is a ridiculous stipulation ....once you get to pension eligibilty age they shouldn't be making up rules to make it difficult for you . Annoying and frustrating .

Like

Reply

Ian ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

ohh really is that not the norm ??

Like

Reply

Jim **********

as many As you like. In my situation the moment I left oz they stopped my pension and reinstated on my return

Like

Reply

Reply to

Jim **********

Reply

Simon *********

Yep typically 65_67 pre qualify you to get PORTABILITY of your pension.. you can travel in that tine 4_6 weeks but need to notify them as passport gets tracked..

Like

Reply

Jae *******

@Simon ********

4-6 weeks annually??

Like

Reply

Simon *********

I've done it 3 times no problem

Like

Reply

Jae *******

@Simon ********

I mean, we only get to travel outside Australia for only 4-6 weeks per year for the 2 year period?

Like

Reply

Reply to

Jae *******

Reply

Ron ******

Best to contact the pension administrators Dept of Social Services in Oz or check their website.

Like

Reply

Ian ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

👍

Like

Reply

Reply to

Ian ********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Can I live in Thailand on the Australian Aged Pension, and what are the living costs like?

243 comments

2 months ago

Will my tax-free pension from Australia be taxed in Thailand if I live there for more than 179 days?

278 comments

4 months ago

Will Australia tax my pension at 35% if I retire in Thailand?

115 comments

4 months ago

How can Australians manage Centrelink payments while living overseas?

11 comments

9 months ago

Can an Australian resident who has satisfied the Work Life rule apply for a pension and move to Thailand immediately without the 2-year portability rule?

14 comments

a year ago

What are the rules for Aussie expats receiving the aged pension while living in Thailand?

75 comments

2 years ago

Can I use my pension income to qualify for a retirement visa in Thailand without having to deposit funds into a Thai bank account?

87 comments

2 years ago

What are the requirements for Australian retirees to obtain a retirement visa in Thailand?

19 comments

2 years ago

What should I consider when moving to Thailand long-term as an Australian expat?

67 comments

2 years ago

Do I need to live in Australia for two years to take my age pension to Thailand?

29 comments

2 years ago

How does the in-country pensioner option in Thailand differ from the OA visa I could obtain from Sydney?

6 comments

2 years ago

What is the best way to obtain a Non-O immigrant extension after returning to Australia for pension purposes?

9 comments

2 years ago

What are the key requirements and options for obtaining a Non-immigrant O-A retirement visa in Thailand for Australian citizens?

8 comments

3 years ago

What options do Australian retirees over 50 have for obtaining a visa to live in Thailand?

90 comments

3 years ago

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

17 comments

4 years ago

What advice is available for an Australian seeking a retirement visa in Thailand after staying on a tourist visa?

83 comments

4 years ago

What are the requirements and steps to retire to Thailand from Australia?

10 comments

4 years ago

Can I apply for a retirement visa in Thailand using Australian bank funds and extend it from within Thailand?

0 comments

6 years ago

Is there a minimum stay requirement for retirement visa holders in Thailand?

1 comments

6 years ago

How can I extend my retirement visa in Thailand with a pension paid into an overseas account?

16 comments

6 years ago

Should we apply for a retirement visa in Australia or after arriving in Thailand?

18 comments

6 years ago

What are the requirements for a retirement visa in Thailand after arriving from Australia?

14 comments

6 years ago

Do Australian citizens living in Thailand need to return home to continue receiving the full old age pension?

128 comments

7 years ago

What are the options and requirements for Australian retirees applying for a long-stay visa in Thailand?

31 comments

7 years ago

What do I need to know about obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand as an Australian expat?

50 comments

7 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.