Claiming age pension overseas

I lived and worked in Australia for 27 years. I will have lived in Thailand for 10 years when I am eligible for age pension. Do I have to return to live for two years in Australia

( not affordable) or just return to lodge paperwork? How long should I plan for this to take?

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Rules for living overseas and getting the pension have changed recently so you will need to check the centrelink site.

I think you also have to live here for so long without going out of Australia for a set time to be eligible.  Think it's 2 years.

Best to check with Centrelink.

Good morning legiro,

Many thanks for your email and interest in YourLifeChoices. As Thailand does not have a Social Security Agreement with Australia, you will have to return to Australia to claim your pension and remain here for two years after your claim has been approved in order to retain your pension. You will also be subject to the 35 year working life residency rules, which will be useed to calculate how much Age Pension you receive when you return to Thailand.

This information is general and you should contact Human Services to discuss your personal circumstances.

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