Are you planning a Christmas getaway or a summer holiday abroad? If you’re a Centrelink recipient, there are some important things you need to know before you leave the country.
Services Australia has issued a warning to ensure that you’re aware of the rules and regulations surrounding your payments while you’re overseas.
The Rules Vary Depending on Your Payment Type
If you’re receiving Youth Allowance, your payments will stop while you’re overseas if your holiday is considered short-term. However, there are some exceptions. You might still be eligible to receive your regular payments if your travel falls under one of the approved reasons listed by Services Australia.
Those on the Rent Assistance program can breathe a sigh of relief – you’ll still receive payments for up to 26 weeks if your trip is short-term and you continue to pay rent while you’re away. Health Care Card and Pensioner Concession Card holders can access their payments for up to six weeks on a short-term trip, but you must still be receiving your main payment for this to happen.
JobSeeker Recipients, Take Note!
If you’re receiving JobSeeker payments, your payments will stop the moment you leave the country, whether it’s for a short or long-term trip. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. You might still be eligible to receive JobSeeker payments if you’re leaving for Defence Force training or for specific humanitarian reasons, such as attending an acute family crisis or getting eligible medical treatment that isn’t available in Australia.
Other Centrelink Payments: What You Need to Know
If you’re receiving the Family Tax Benefit, you can continue to receive your payment for up to six weeks if you or your child leaves the country for a short-term holiday. Child Care Subsidy recipients can also continue to receive their payment for up to six weeks, but only if you’re still paying for child care in Australia.
What to Do Before You Leave the Country
To avoid any potential issues with your Centrelink payments, make sure you have a Centrelink account linked to myGov. This will allow you to access all the information about your payments while you’re away.
You can easily input your travel dates through the Centrelink app or myGov, and recipients on certain payment types will need to report their income on the final business day before their flight.
Important: Keep Services Australia Informed
If your circumstances related to your Centrelink payment change while you’re on holiday, make sure you let Services Australia know as soon as possible. Don’t wait until you arrive back home – notify them immediately to avoid any delays or issues with your payments.
One More Thing: Don’t Try to Fudge the Dates!
In many instances, the immigration department will inform Services Australia when you leave the country and when you return. So, don’t try to manipulate the dates – it’s not worth the risk of having your payments delayed or stopped.
By following these simple rules and guidelines, you can enjoy your Christmas getaway or summer holiday without worrying about your Centrelink payments. Happy travels!