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Post by muso on May 28, 2010 8:46:55 GMT 7
From my reading of the centrelink website there is an option for a person receiving a DSP to suspend their pension for up to two years. This is to allow someone to work, but to keep the option of going back to the DSP.
Does anyone have any experience of this while overseas? I mean, rather than having to return to oz every 13 weeks, is it possible to request centrelink to suspend (claiming to be working os), and then reactivate when you do finally return to oz?
This seems to me, if it can be done, a good way to stretch things, when needed.
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Post by Banjo on May 28, 2010 10:37:00 GMT 7
One of the members has discussed having 6 months at a time away, 3 months on pension, 3 off. The pension is not paid for the second three months but not cut off unless this period is exceeded.
This seems to be covered under the act.
I'll look into it further but what you have to be careful of, if you spend the 2 years out of the country, is jeopardising your residency.
You could come back and have them say... Ha ha, you're not a resident after 2 years a way, no pension for you".
What we're waiting to see is what the changes in the act are on the 1st January 2011.
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Post by muso on May 28, 2010 12:59:30 GMT 7
Thanks for following up so quickly. Just to clarify, here is a copy from the cl booklet about what I am talking about:
• you are receiving Disability Support Pension and start working or increase your hours of work and your payment does stop, your Disability Support Pension may be suspended for two years rather than cancelled. If your Disability Support Pension is suspended, it can be restored if you stop working or if you reduce your hours of employment within the two-year suspension period. You will also be able to retain your Pensioner Concession Card for 12 months if you go off a payment because you are working
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Post by Banjo on May 28, 2010 13:13:24 GMT 7
I found the link, like all Centrelink "rules" your best option is to discuss it with them personally.
What they consider to be work may very well mean something they can monitor, which wouldn't include much out of Australia.
I strongly suspect that going into them and saying "I've got two years work in the Philippines, see you in 2012" may not be that simple, particularly if you have been on the DSP for a few years.
I'm waiting for some of the other guys to show up, they may have a better idea than me.
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