Centrelink While Living in Thailand — What You Can and Cannot Receive

Centrelink payment rules are complex, fact-specific, and subject to change. This guide describes the general framework as of August 2026. For your specific payment situation, contact Services Australia directly or engage a financial counsellor. Making false declarations to Centrelink is a serious offence.

"Portability" is Centrelink's term for whether a payment continues when you go overseas. Payments are either: - Portable (continue overseas): Age Pension, Disability Support Pension (in some circumstances) - Not portable (stop): most other payments

Even portable payments are generally only paid for a limited period overseas unless you meet specific criteria for an "unlimited" portability exemption.

The Age Pension continues when you live in Thailand. However, after 26 weeks outside Australia, your payment may be recalculated: - Your rate is reduced based on your "Australian Working Life Residence" (AWLR) — the number of years you lived in Australia between age 16 and Age Pension age. - If you lived in Australia for most of your working life, the reduction is small or nil. - The maximum AWLR is 35 years. If you have 35 full years of Australian residence, no reduction applies overseas.

Supplement payments attached to the Age Pension (Pension Supplement, Energy Supplement): these stop immediately on departure if you are moving to Thailand permanently. The rule you may see quoted elsewhere — supplement reduces to a base amount after 6 weeks, or stops after 12 weeks from 20 September 2026 — applies only to temporary travel, not to someone relocating.

- That you are leaving Australia (departure) - Your overseas address - Any changes in income, assets, or living situation - If you rent out your Australian home while overseas (this affects your assets and income assessment)

Failure to notify = potential overpayment = debt to Centrelink.

The DSP is portable for up to 4 weeks (or in some cases up to 28 weeks if the overseas stay is for an "approved reason"). Living in Thailand permanently is NOT an approved reason for extended DSP portability. If you move to Thailand permanently on DSP, your payment will stop.

Exception: if your DSP is granted on the basis of a condition that is also covered by one of Australia's bilateral social security agreements — Thailand does NOT have a bilateral agreement with Australia for DSP portability.

Conclusion: if you are on DSP and move to Thailand permanently, DSP stops. Get specific advice before departing.

Carer Payment stops when you leave Australia (as you are no longer providing care in Australia). Not relevant for those moving to Thailand unless the person being cared for is also in Thailand and meets specific criteria.

These activity-tested payments stop immediately when you leave Australia.

Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A and Part B stop if you move overseas permanently. Short-term overseas absences (under 56 weeks for FTB A) may be covered, but permanent relocation to Thailand ends eligibility.

The CSHC (which gives access to cheaper prescription medicine) requires Australian residency. It stops when you no longer reside in Australia.

Same position as CSHC.

If you receive any Centrelink payment and you leave Australia for an extended period, you MUST notify Services Australia: - Before you leave: update your contact details and advise your departure date - While overseas: report any changes in income, assets, or relationship status - When you return: notify Services Australia of your return

Failure to report overseas departure while receiving a non-portable payment results in overpayment recovery (Centrelink can withhold future payments or take debt recovery action).

For Australians living overseas with Centrelink payments: the dedicated contact line is the Centrelink International Services team (available via myGov or the international phone number published on the Services Australia website). myGov account management continues to work from overseas.

When Australians consult us about the Non-OA or LTR visa, we flag the Centrelink notification requirement. Missing this step before departure is one of the most common administrative errors for Australian retirees moving to Thailand.

General guidance only. Centrelink payment rules are established by Services Australia and the Social Security Act. Rules are subject to change. Not financial or social security advice. Contact Services Australia directly for your specific payment situation. No outcome guaranteed. Independent visa assistance agency; not affiliated with any government body.