Overseas Trip and DSP advice

[bluepup]

Hi everyone. This is my first post here so I’m just looking for some advice. 

I made the mistake of posting this in the wrong section initially. I'm really sorry. I will try and delete it if myself but if I can't can a mod do this for me? My question is as follows.

In September next year my husband and I are hoping to travel to the UK for the first ever time. I am on DSP and understand the rules are I can only spend 28 days overseas before my payment is stopped.

So with that in mind:
Firstly, if our plane leaves on say Sep 5, this means I need to re-enter Australia before midnight October 2. Is this correct?
Secondly, if for some reason our flight is delayed and we hit the passport scanners after 28 days, say after midnight Oct 2 at 12:20am, my DSP will be suspended but NOT cancelled and I won’t need to reapply?
Finally, if the second scenario does happen will my suspension be overturned once Centrelink becomes aware that I have re-entered the country through passport control? Or will I have to call them to instigate this?

I just want to make sure I do the right thing. I want to utilise the full 28 days but still have the reassurance that if a flight is delayed beyond our control that my DSP will only be temporarily suspended and I won’t have to go through the process of reapplying again. Many thanks.

[JJJ88]

Bluepup, from my personal experience (before I got IP/UP) If you don't get back to Australia within the specified time frame you just need to go to a Service Center after your arrival back on home soil, if you have exceeded the 28 days your Pension will just be put on hold, you just need to explain if there was a flight delay or any other reason and they will confirm it and re-establish your payments. Yes info is shared when you pass through Customs but best to go to Services Australia to double check just incase your Pension has been put on hold which will essentially delay your next payment.

Cheers

J

[bluepup]

Jul 25, 2023 13:28:53 GMT 7 JJJ88 said:

Bluepup, from my personal experience (before I got IP/UP) If you don't get back to Australia within the specified time frame you just need to go to a Service Center after your arrival back on home soil, if you have exceeded the 28 days your Pension will just be put on hold, you just need to explain if there was a flight delay or any other reason and they will confirm it and re-establish your payments. Yes info is shared when you pass through Customs but best to go to Services Australia to double check just incase your Pension has been put on hold which will essentially delay your next payment.

Cheers

J

Thanks very much for that JJJ. That makes me feel a lot better. We want to maximize the full 28 days but not at the risk of having my DSP cancelled and having to go through the process again. I also had a feeling it wouldn't just reactivate automatically and I would have to contact CL staff either on the phone or at the Service Centre.

[JJJ88]

No worries Bluepup. Enjoy your trip and safe travels.

Cheers

J