No need to inform Centrelink of overseas trips (IP/UP)

[genx]

I've had Indefinite Portability for a while now, and I've never had to inform Centrelink of an overseas trip. Centrelink has an automated system in place that automatically informs Centrelink when you leave Australia and when you come back.

If you have IP/UP and you call up Centrelink to inform them of your travel plans, the CSA will run a script on their computer and may well stuff it up. There is no point in calling Centrelink up if you have UP/IP.

[itsmylife08]

I've gotta agree with this, I recall returning home early 2000s and reporting to Centrelink.

I always remember the bloke who interviewed me said welcome home Itsa,being a bit taken aback,I said how do you know,aww it's ok we know more than you think we do chuckles 😁,here he said have a look he turned the computer around unreal it was , forward 20+ years scary times guys.

Cheers Itsa

[sunshine37]

But they wont put it in writing i have UP.

Is that the same for others?

[genx]

Feb 10, 2024 12:54:42 GMT 7 sunshine37 said:

But they wont put it in writing i have UP.

Is that the same for others?

When you go overseas, you should get a letter stating that your benefits will continue while you are overseas.

[sunshine37]

No i never got one. I asked for a letter but they wouldnt put it in writing i have UP. Which is annoying as it woukd be good to show retirement income to immigrate to some countried

[bear]

IIRC other members have advised that after being approved for UP/IP they needed to advise of their first trip to generate a letter stating they had full portability. Of course just because you advise of a trip doesn't necessarily mean you will end up taking it, as life has a habit of getting in the way sometimes. That way you will at least get your letter, though do remind them you want one sent out for your personal files.

If they push you for a return date say that you don't know because you have full portability and never ever tell them you're leaving permanently, otherwise your pay will be reduced upon leaving. 

Then it's as genx and others have said.

sunshine37 ...... When calling Centrelink it's always advisable to ask for the receipt number of the call so as to have that interaction remain on your file in perpetuity. Was it a local office or Centrelink International Services you were speaking to. CIS deal with.full portability and OS issues.

To call CIS from Australia 1316 73 From overseas [phone] Local dial out code recommend. Some countries also have specific freecall numbers to CIS. See link:- www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/phone-us?context=64107#international

Cheers 🐻

[nomadic]

Not told them once of my movements in the 12 years since I got UP. No contact at all since then. Better than winning Lotto.

[sunshine37]

Thanks Bear. It was Centrelink in Australia before I left. Who wouldnt put it in writing. Thanks for the tip to get a receipt number.

[anthonydsp]

I've never informed them and I've had u/p for 11 years now and I go for 12 months at a time stay in Australia for a week then go back

[Denis-NFA]

Feb 17, 2024 12:26:29 GMT 7 sunshine37 said:

Thanks Bear. It was Centrelink in Australia before I left. Who wouldnt put it in writing. Thanks for the tip to get a receipt number.

sunshine37

Perhaps an FOI covering the time since your UP/IP application??