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Post by bobm on Dec 24, 2018 16:02:59 GMT 7
I'm currently 71, still on DSP, didn't change to the age pension when time came as there was no benefit or reason to do so.
I was out of Oz when the changes came in (think it was 2004) so I'm grandfathered under old regulations. I receive a part pension, I think it's 82% of the full single rate.
I live in Thailand but make visits to Oz every year. I always notify Centrelink of dates arriving & departing and say that's it's only a temporary visit to see family. I've never stayed over 26 weeks, which is the figure Centrelink gave me some years ago as the max for a visit.
I have a current Medicare card but no Healthcare/Concession card. It's my understanding that I would have to return to Oz as a resident in order to get such cards, and if I did that I'd lose my UP and will come under the current rules regarding going OS with a pension.
Now at 71 some medical issues are appearing. Is there any way that I could get a Healthcare/Concession card yet retain my UP?
I intend phoning Centrelink International in the new year and ask them, but I think it would be a good idea to get some fact & ideas here first so I don't screw anything up.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 25, 2018 3:47:05 GMT 7
Merry Christmas bobm Your issue with UP cancelling after 26 weeks is a direct result of the rules imposed on the 2004 Grandfathering. And yes; for people in your situation you would need to become a resident again to receive a card, then lose your UP. Bearing in mind if you were to change to OAP, because of your time outside of Australia, you would not have OAP UP for a further two years either. Rules again I'm afraid. We have members on UP who return yearly and receive a new concession card in the mail. It only remains valid for the time in Australia, and a further six weeks after departure. Recipients who have obtained UP under the new 2012 rules can come and go at will. Some have had it for several years and only gone OS a couple of times. International Services have confirmed their UP will remain ongoing irrespective of how long they stay in Oz. The portability thing for DSP people grandfathered, granted and changed over to OAP is somwhat shambolic. Hopefully International Services will be able to use some common sense and give you a concession card to use while in Australia. Differing rules for different cohorts from different times about the same thing need to be addressed. Senator Siewert champions our causes quite well; perhaps a letter, email or phone call explaining the problem will help do the trick. Cheers bear www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Parliamentarian?MPID=e5z#t2-content-panel |
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Post by nomadic on Dec 25, 2018 7:17:08 GMT 7
I'm again confused bobm. Not unusual though. I have been out of Oz since 1999 but go back at least once yearly and was granted UP of DSP under 2012 rules. Every time I go back they automatically send me a new card even if the old one has a year or more before it expires. But I have an Oz address is the only reason I can think of as to why you don't get one. Or do you? I believe you are entitled to one as you are not a resident of any other country, are you? They tried that on me but it was all bluff by them and they eventually said I was a resident. All confusing even more but the B's should give you one for sure I think.
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Post by bobm on Dec 25, 2018 8:29:44 GMT 7
bear & nomadic: yes, I have a friend in Thailand on DSP with full UP and he said every time he goes back to visit Oz they send out a new health care card. I do have a permanent address in Perth, I've owned my apartment since 2000 and every time I make a trip to Oz and notify Centrelink I tell them I will be residing at that address. Furthermore, I generally lease the apartment out for a year or so when I'm staying in Thailand, and I notify Centrelink of this additional income, and they adjust my DSP payment accordingly. Currently I'm in the property myself. I'm not sure what I'm a resident of. I think according to Centrelink I'm a resident of Thailand. Medicare say I'm a resident of Australia. In Thailand I'm on annual extensions of a non-imm visa, so they certainly don't consider me a resident.
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Post by bobm on Dec 25, 2018 8:31:53 GMT 7
bear. Merry Christmas, thanks for that link. I'll have a look at it. Do you think I should phone Centrelink International and ask them about a healthcare card or would it be pointless?
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Post by Deleted on Dec 25, 2018 11:16:28 GMT 7
bear . Merry Christmas, thanks for that link. I'll have a look at it. Do you think I should phone Centrelink International and ask them about a healthcare card or would it be pointless? It can't hurt bobm Just be wary of any codicils they may want to place on it. Mention your Medicare card has remained current since 2004, yet your concession card hasn't. "Why is that?" Fairly certain it will be because of the Grandfathering though. Like everything with them get the receipt for the call, record it on your phone; I do, and advise them I am doing it. No misunderstandings that way. If they won't come to the party, write to Senator Seiwert explaining the situation, she will be interested, and I'm 99.9% sure you'll receive a response. Cheers bear |
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