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Post by jay on Feb 3, 2015 8:20:39 GMT 7
"When travelling overseas temporarily, you will generally only be paid DSP for up to 4 weeks in any 12 month period.(http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/centrelink/disability-support-pension/disability-support-pension-while-travelling-outside-australia). That is the only available official information so far. You are right Banjo, it doesn't state "cancelled" but I also wasn't able to find words "suspended" or "13 weeks" in any of the articles above!?Ringing Centrelink International is a logical step but as I said before, from my personal experience it depend's who do you talk to.Ring 2 times and you usually got 2 different opinions. What I want is something official in writing and I think I am not the only one. A lot of people I know planned to visit their families overseas this year but still nobody was able to book a flight yet, because we don't know how long we can stay(without pay),if any?
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Post by jay on Feb 3, 2015 8:47:46 GMT 7
And by the way, as this is now our only window to the outside world(like prisoners can spend 1 hour outside p/d) I would suggest(I hope I am not intruding as a new member) that Traveling overseas become separate part of General board(or whatever you think is better)where people can put all the relevant information and questions. Thank's in advance!
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Post by Banjo on Feb 3, 2015 8:59:17 GMT 7
We have a travel section at the bottom of the home page.
I suspect that forums like this one have made Centrelink reluctant to commit themselves in writing to anything that is not specifically covered in the legislation or the "Guide to Social Security Law".
I suggest writing to the Minister, it can be a lengthy process but if you clearly state your question then they have to reply.
My stance at the moment is to wait and see what happens when people start overstaying, as they will, by either accident or design.
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Post by jay on Feb 3, 2015 9:27:47 GMT 7
That's exactly what I am going to do, wait and see! But someone has to be a scapegoat which is just not fair. In my case, I got family in Europe and my father recently suffered hart attack. I need 4 days just for travel and the rest is certainly not enough to spend time with a loved ones. So I am willing to overstay 2-3 more weeks. I don't need money for accommodation and food as I would be staying with my family. But how to plan anything? Do you think that Centrelink finally has to put something about overstaying on their web page as they did in previous years?
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Post by viper1431 on Feb 3, 2015 15:11:54 GMT 7
If you father is overseas then you'd be granted extended portability for humanitarian reasons surely. it even says in the legislation b) a serious illness of the person or a family member of the person;
(c) the hospitalisation of the person or a family member of the person;
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Post by zorro1 on Feb 3, 2015 16:10:47 GMT 7
Have you been into your local C/L office to ask these questions face to face? If not its not a bad idea and ask them to write it into your profile comments if they okay you to go
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Post by jay on Feb 4, 2015 10:08:31 GMT 7
No I heaven't been in my local C/L office just for one reason. Who can guarantee that they say it's O.K. to overstay and than when I am back, SURPRISE, mu DSP is cancelled. We all know that at Centrelink "one hand have no idea what the other do" and this is a serious issue to risk everything(I have 2 kids and a husband here) just because "somebody" told me that I can go. As far as I remember, there was ALWAYS something official(in writing) on CL page that explains what would happen if you overstay and how long you can overstay without losing your DSP. It's February now, and still nothing!
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Post by scallywag on Feb 4, 2015 10:12:47 GMT 7
No I heaven't been in my local C/L office just for one reason. Who can guarantee that they say it's O.K. to overstay and than when I am back, SURPRISE, mu DSP is cancelled. We all know that at Centrelink "one hand have no idea what the other do" and this is a serious issue to risk everything(I have 2 kids and a husband here) just because "somebody" told me that I can go. As far as I remember, there was ALWAYS something official(in writing) on CL page that explains what would happen if you overstay and how long you can overstay without losing your DSP. It's February now, and still nothing! you could phone clink international and discuss it with them, if they say it's suspended, ask for it in writing.
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Post by jay on Feb 4, 2015 10:21:17 GMT 7
So that would mean that every single individual on DSP in Australia who wants to travel has to ring Centrelink first?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2015 10:36:47 GMT 7
So that would mean that every single individual on DSP in Australia who wants to travel has to ring Centrelink first? I still do. I have UP but even when I leave the country for long periods of time, I ring Overseas Services and tell them. I would tell them (Overseas Services) what you want to do, get a answer back, get it in writing or get it written onto your file and then go see your loved ones for the time required.
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Post by jay on Feb 4, 2015 11:09:15 GMT 7
Yes, I also do that every time I go overseas, but before, I knew how long I could stay without penalties so I rang just to notify them. This year nobody knows anything and it's not possible to book a ticket without knowing a return date!
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Post by scallywag on Feb 4, 2015 11:23:46 GMT 7
So that would mean that every single individual on DSP in Australia who wants to travel has to ring Centrelink first? If you intend being away for more than 4 weeks and don't have portability, It would be silly not to. Waiting times are better at international than clink and the info seems to be more consistent.
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Post by zorro1 on Feb 4, 2015 12:26:46 GMT 7
]No I heaven't been in my local C/L office just for one reason. Who can guarantee that they say it's O.K. to overstay and than when I am back, SURPRISE, mu DSP is cancelled. . It [/quote]
Like I said, have them write it into your profile in front of you . Ive had this done before and they cant deny that request if they tell you it wont be canceled. The only other alternative is relying on hearsay through forums to make your decision.
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Post by jay on Feb 4, 2015 13:25:03 GMT 7
Is it possible to contact them anonimously. Call me paranoid but I don,t trust them!
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Post by Deleted on Feb 4, 2015 13:36:23 GMT 7
Give them a call tomorrow. They have been pretty good with me. I just called Overseas Services today (131763) to advise them of my trip away. They were great, just told me they could see I had UP and to do what I wished.
I would not be worried as you are just asking a question. I am pretty sure if you wanted to go away for say 8 weeks, you will not have a problem. You will just not get paid for 4 weeks but you are just going to have to advise them. Last year before I got UP, I was away for 13 weeks and I was only getting paid for 6 weeks.
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