Overseas and pension payments

Q: I AM currently working in Thailand (this is my second year) and wish to retire in Malaysia next year. I am already 65 so am entitled to an Australian pension (having worked there for over 35 years). Will I be able to stay overseas immediately I am granted a pension? (I know I will have to return to Australia to make the initial pension claim.)

Our expert is Hank Jongen, a general manager of Centrelink.

A: As there are a number of factors that need to be taken into account when determining if someone is eligible for Age Pension, we are unable to assess your situation based on the information provided. We would encourage you to contact Centrelink International Services to discuss your situation and possible entitlements in more detail.

To claim Age Pension a person must usually be living in Australia as well as being physically present. Age Pension can only be granted to a person who lives outside Australia if they live in a country that Australia has a current social security agreement with. These countries are: Austria; Belgium; Canada; Chile; Croatia; Cyprus; Denmark; Germany; Ireland; Italy; Malta; The Netherlands; New Zealand; Norway; Portugal; Slovenia; Spain; U.S.A and Switzerland.

Age Pension can usually be paid if a pensioner leaves Australia, regardless of which country they are going to. However, if a person returns to live in Australia after living in another country and is granted Age Pension, they cannot be paid if they leave again within two years. The exception to this is that if the person is going to an agreement country; then they may be paid.

For more information about Australian payments made overseas or Australia's social security agreements, please contact Centrelink International Services on 13 1673 or +61 3 6222 3455 if you are calling from outside Australia. Or go to www.centrelink.gov.au