oap widows b

[mobilemama]

i have been out of australi for 3 years altho i have returned regularly for a couple of weeks at least twice per year of times a year, now i am returning to aus permanently for 2 years as i have been told i must do this before i can apply for a oap, as i am now single, (hubby was australian also)due to a marriage split, i spent a week in aus in july and was told i might be able to get something like a widows pension as i am over 60 and have not worked for some years, if not i would get newstart. does anyone know how long i have to remain in australia before i can return overseas and keep my oap, i know the widow??? pension i must stay in aus, and apparently automatically go onto oap after i have been on widows for 9 months and turn 65yrs i have no assets and will be living with my children, until i can find some cheap accomodation, any thoughts or experience along these lines would be appreciated

[Banjo]

I think you should go and talk to Centrelink and ask what your options are.

[peter]

The answer to your question will depend on your residency status.

If you are deemed non resident then that two year residency to regain permanent residency status will apply and in that period OAP is not portable overseas.

If you are deemed to be still resident in spite of your absences overseas for the past three years, then your OAP will be portable much faster, that is from the time you turn 65.

You need to stop saying that you will be returning to Australia permanently because that says that you have left permanently previously and you are not a non resident.

So, examine your situation as to whether your recent absence has been temporary or permanent, as the outcome will depend on that, and if your absence has only been temporary, then the more favourable will the outcome be to you.