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Post by mikey on Oct 3, 2014 8:59:54 GMT 7
It seems that the immediate cancellation if staying over 28 days amendment has been removed, so suspension only.
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Post by struggling on Oct 3, 2014 13:39:10 GMT 7
Now thats some good news  If that is the case DSP's can leave and face suspension then perhaps be re instated on return. If so ?..Thats some relief however if forced to face re assessment that will financially cripple them |
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sam
Junior Member
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Post by sam on Oct 21, 2014 15:18:04 GMT 7
This was all a bit confusing. I'm not sure where DSP recipients now stand. Can someone please confirm if the bill was passed? Is there now a 28 day per year limit from 1st Jan 2015? Will they need to reapply if they stay out longer than 28 days? If not does that also apply to subsequent departures from Oz? ie. Can they leave Oz again and only face a suspension? Thanks
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Post by Banjo on Oct 21, 2014 15:51:21 GMT 7
Welcome to the forum Sam.
The bill/budget has not yet passed and the portability now stands at 6 weeks.
If the budget is approved the portability will become 28 days on the 1st Jan 2015
Only one 28 day trip will be allowed in a 12 month period.
Currently some of the details are vague, an overstay may result in a loss of pension and having to be reassessed when you return.
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Post by blacktulipvampire on Oct 21, 2014 17:38:30 GMT 7
Welcome to the forum Sam. The bill/budget has not yet passed and the portability now stands at 6 weeks. If the budget is approved the portability will become 28 days on the 1st Jan 2015 Only one 28 day trip will be allowed in a 12 month period. Currently some of the details are vague, an overstay may result in a loss of pension and having to be reassessed when you return. I could be wrong, but I thought that it was 28 days p.a. but it did not need to be consecutive. ie could do 14 days for 1 trip then another 14 days later in the year. |
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Post by Banjo on Oct 21, 2014 17:41:46 GMT 7
True but it's still only one 28 day trip... I neglected to mention that it could probably also be 2/14, 4/7 or 28 one day trips....  |
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Post by richard on Oct 22, 2014 3:20:04 GMT 7
I'm hoping that they just make it a suspension of payments rather than a cancellation of benefit. There's no need to be that cruel. I think some of us could manage to save up enough money to not have to worry about having payments suspended for a period of time. I'd prefer no changes at all, but in reality, I don't see that happening.
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sam
Junior Member
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Post by sam on Oct 22, 2014 9:05:32 GMT 7
Thanks Banjo. Do we have any idea when we will know the decision?
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Post by anotherdsp on Oct 22, 2014 11:02:18 GMT 7
is it still possible to do a 6 week late in december under the current rules?
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sam
Junior Member
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Post by sam on Oct 22, 2014 12:37:17 GMT 7
I just spoke with a guy at Centrelink International. He said they are not sure if it will actually be finalised in this years senate sitting. Hopefully they don't get round to it!
If it is discussed and it is passed then the current rules will apply to any travel started before the 31 December. So 6 weeks and suspension will apply. The changes ie 4 weeks/year and cancellation (if passed) will apply to trips started after 1st Jan.
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Post by Banjo on Oct 22, 2014 15:05:25 GMT 7
That's right, if you leave Dec the 30th you have 6 weeks.
What I do not know is if this stuffs up your 4 weeks for 2015.
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Post by struggling on Oct 22, 2014 17:46:38 GMT 7
Hi all .. just heard from another friend who is currently on DSP , whom called Centrelink today to advise he is leaving Aus on 30th December 2104 and he was advised he must be back in Aus by the 10th February 2015 ( current 6 weeks portability ruling ) to enable continuation of his pension payments. He was also advised by centrelink that after his return to Aus he can travel again overseas of course , however the centrelink staff member was unsure at present if the new portability ruling for DSP's travelling overseas on and after 1st January 2015 will be passed in the senate before the new year? Apparently due to the other difficult budget welfare proposals ( stop dole payments for school leavers etc ) and the main hurdle in the senate now is the medicare co payment , apparently that is the main issue of debate so it may not be negotiated or passed this year . Centrelink advised him as such ... after his return to Aus on the 10th February 2015 it seems likely we will have the new portability ruling of overseas travel at 28 days total within a year ( unlimited departures are OK .. but a maximum absence from Aus for a total of 28 days only ) from the 1 st January 2015 until 1st January 2016 or there is some possibility the new portability ruling for DSP's will not be legislated until early next year . I guess that could mean say ...April or may 2015 before they enforce the new rules . Of course their is some small hope of miracle they will drop it off the proposed 2014 / 2015 budget and re introduce it in the next 2015/ 2016 budget . As Minister Kevin Andrews is now quite happy that a significant percentage of the 2000 weekly applicants are being refused for the DSP he may be saving enough money , Ie .. newstart payment are less ! Who knows but Centrelink staff cannot give you a definite answer at this time  ? Just hope and pray i guess |
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Post by anotherdsp on Oct 22, 2014 17:58:02 GMT 7
ok thanks guys,i plan a late trip out in dec then come back and the u/p will be my target for the year,getting my records sorted has been a slow proccess!!
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Post by Banjo on Oct 22, 2014 18:07:56 GMT 7
I've seen it before, they really have no more idea than we do at this stage.
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Post by dakota on Oct 27, 2014 11:50:59 GMT 7
When is the legislation due to go before Parliament? Seems Tony has his hands full and cant make the budget balance. The ISUS war is likely to end up costing $1Billion and even talk of GST increases in the media "IS TONY Abbott about to raise the GST? Labor has accused the Prime Minster of using coded language to lay the groundwork for raising the goods and services tax." www.news.com.au/finance/is-tony-abbott-planning-to-raise-the-gst/story-e6frfm1i-1227103537861 |
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