Overseas Travel

As borders opened after closures were implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing increasing numbers of people now travelling to and from Australia. It is important that clients who are receiving Centrelink payments be aware of what impact leaving Australia temporarily, or for extended periods, may have on their payments. The impacts of travel vary depending on the payment being received, however, usually, Centrelink will need to be advised before the travel commences to avoid suspension or cancellation.

As ever, one key point remains: any change in circumstances should be updated with Centrelink, and this includes travelling to or from overseas. For those with access to MyGov, ensuring access via the internet and a mobile device whilst overseas is important.

Centrelink can also be contacted on their International line, & also through dialling local numbers in selected countries (https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/phone-us?context=64107#international ). The number within Australia is 131 673.

Older Australians

Age Pension. This is typically paid for up to 26 weeks at the full rate, subject to residency qualifications. After that time payment rate may be reduced depending on years lived and worked in Australia. Clarification should be sought from Centrelink ahead of travel.

For those receiving overseas pensions – from living or working abroad – as part of an International Social Security Arrangement, they should also check the impact with the foreign service before travel.

Proof of Life. For those aged 80 and above, if they have been absent from the country for at least 2 years, they should expect to receive and complete a Proof of Life Certificate form every 2 years. It needs to be returned by the due date. In certain instances, it may be useful for clients to have a locally-based nominee, to ensure correspondence is received and acted upon. The consequence of not returning the Certificate is suspension and ultimately cancellation of payment.

Disability Support Pension

This may be paid during a temporary absence outside Australia for up to 4 weeks in a 12-month period, or longer if the person is studying or training overseas as part of their full-time Australian course or Australian Apprenticeship.

It may be paid for up to a further 4 weeks of a temporary absence from Australia in limited circumstances. Centrelink should be told about any travel when receiving DSP.

It might also be paid indefinitely overseas in some cases if the person is assessed by Centrelink in Australia prior to departure as having a severe impairment and no future work capacity, or terminally ill and returning to their country of origin or to be cared for by family. This is referred to as ‘indefinite portability of DSP’.

If an individual applies for DSP portability, Centrelink will often reassess their general medical entitlement to the DSP. For some clients, this may mean that Centrelink decides they are no longer medically entitled to the DSP. Clients who began accessing DSP under old rules, and who haven’t been recently reviewed, are most at risk of having their cancelled through this process. Legal advice can help assess the risk in individual circumstances.

Other payments

Carer Payment. This may be paid for up to 6 weeks for a temporary absence from Australia or longer if the person has to study or train overseas as part of their full‑time Australian course or Australian Apprenticeship. Different rules may apply if a person is covered by an International Social Security Agreement. Usually, Centrelink should be consulted before travelling, when receiving Carer Payment.

Carer Allowance. This may be paid for up to 6 weeks of a temporary absence from Australia. Usually, Centrelink should be consulted before travel commences.

JobSeeker Payment. This may be paid for up to 6 weeks of a temporary absence from Australia in limited circumstances. Centrelink must be consulted before travel commences when receiving JobSeeker Payment.

Other Payments including Farm Household Allowance, Special Benefit ABSTUDY, and Youth Allowance may be paid up to 6 weeks of a temporary absence in limited circumstances. Education-based courses overseas may also allow this to be extended. Centrelink must be consulted before travel commences.

Rent Assistance. This might still be paid for temporary absences up to 26 weeks, depending on whether the primary payment continues and if rent is still being paid in Australia.

Health Care Cards. Please ensure your clients check the travel rules applicable to their specific health care card, even if only departing temporarily. Clients frequently travel back to this country to seek medical support, so it is important they understand their rights.

At SSRV we assist both financial counsellors and their clients regarding social security matters. If you are working with a client who faces issues with overpayment or entitlement relating to travelling or living overseas, we encourage you to phone our Worker Help Line on (03) 9481 0655 and speak to one of our social security lawyers.