Hi Danny,

I can't help you much with your queries but I notice you say that you are "guessing" the disability pension is less than the aged pension. Have you checked this out at Centrelink (or even google)? I'm not sure that it's true.

I agree with Robi above but if Centrelink is the same with Canada as with Britain they will insist you assess your Canadian entitlement and then deduct it from your monthly pension here or else do what a family member did with UK pension if possible and get a lump sum payout from Canada before applying for Aus one, but tax is deducted if you do that, .worth also checking it out before retiring  with Centrelink Financial Advisor which is free advice service offered by Centrelink.

Danny,

One of my friends is English, he migrated to Oz twenty five years ago, two years ago he applied for an Australian pension, but Centrelink told him they  had to  verify whether he is  eligible for a British pension. As it turned out he was entitled to a part pension from the UK, so in these cases, Australia will top up the British pension so that it amounts the around the same as if you are getting the full Aussie pension. Now this is the same for Canada and some other countries. I'm aware of all of this because I helped him sort out the papers.

You won't be able to "let sleeping dogs lie" as you say, because Centrelink will find out and penalies exist. So be upfront from the start and approach them to find out what the procedure is. Any monies you receive from overseas is classed as income, so you have to declare everything. I don't know how things may have changed since I helped my friend, so best to get it from Centrelink direct.

Many thanks for your comments. I think Canada and the UK are treated slightly differently. My only guide has been a friend slightly older and in a similar situation (but single). She said she had to nominate what percentage pension  to get from each country, but the total amount wouldn't change. Not sure how they handle the changing exchange rate, but unless one planned to flit back and forth I can't see any benefit to mixing and matching. 

Australian retirees tell me they can work about two days a week and still collect the full pension which will suit me fine provided my health holds out and my employer cooperates. Neither are guaranteed of course but both seem very likely. She said as soon as one turns 65 (depending on birthdate) Centrelink knows and will put one on the pension, subject to any income test of course (we have no assets to speak of other than the mortgaged family home). The idea of being able to balance the budget working two days a week and getting the pension is appealing. I'm currently drawing down my super' a little each month too which will continue to supplement our income provided I'm gentle with it.