Heading overseas? Centrelink and the ATO might need to know

Different government payments have their own rules about whether, and for how long, they’re paid while you’re outside Australia.

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Short trips for most families are usually fine, but longer absences can reduce, pause or stop certain payments. You must also keep meeting the usual eligibility tests (residency, income and assets) while you’re away.

For instance:

• JobSeeker and Youth Allowance: These typically stop as soon as you leave Australia, unless you have an approved reason. Youth Allowance or Austudy may continue if the time overseas is an approved part of your Australian course.
• Age Pension: There may be changes to your payment rate after six weeks and after 26 weeks abroad.
• Disability Support Pension (DSP): You can receive DSP for up to 28 days in a 12-month period overseas. Extended stays may require special approval.
• Family Tax Benefit: Payments usually stop after six weeks overseas.

You should inform Services Australia of any travel plans to ensure correct review of information before any border movement data is shared with Services Australia (and trigger a surprise review). Also check payments status when you get home.

The tax side is simpler. A short holiday doesn’t usually change your Australian tax residency, or payment processing. Longer absences may effect residency, reporting arrangements and student loan obligations, so best to discuss these before you leave.

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