Australian aged pension

John 1954

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Joined
Aug 30, 2025
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3
Has Anybody claimed the Australian aged pension whilst living in Indonesia?
I would love to know the process.
 

Step 1 – Confirm Eligibility

  • ✔️ You’ve reached Age Pension age (currently 67).
  • ✔️ You meet the residency rules (generally 10 years in Australia, 5 continuous).
  • ✔️ You understand the pro-rata rule (full pension only with 35 years’ residence between age 16–67).
Step 2 – Gather Documents
You’ll need to prove:
Identity: Australian passport, birth certificate.
  • Residency history: details of when you lived in Australia (Centrelink may check with ATO, Medicare, electoral roll).
  • Income & assets: bank accounts, property, superannuation, investments.
  • Bank account in Indonesia: so pension can be paid directly in IDR.
  • Marriage/relationship details (if applicable).
Step 3 – Create or Log in to myGov
  1. Go to myGov.
  2. Link your account to Centrelink (you may need a CRN – Customer Reference Number).
  3. If you can’t access online, you can apply by paper form:
    • Form SA002 – Age Pension claim for a person living outside Australia.
    • Download at: Services Australia – Forms.
Step 4 – Lodge the Claim
  • Online: through your myGov → Centrelink → Make a Claim.
  • By paper:
    • Fill out SA002 and send to:

      Services Australia
      International Services
      GPO Box 273
      Hobart TAS 7001
      AUSTRALIA
      By phone (if you need help):
      • +61 3 9250 5159 (International Services, Mon–Fri, AEST).
      • Step 6 – Receive Payment


        Paid every 4 weeks (not fortnightly).
        • Paid direct into your Indonesian bank account in IDR (converted from AUD).
        • You’ll receive a letter/email confirming start date and amount.
        If you get stuck you could try the Australian consul in Denpasar. A fellow who was on the pension had it stopped. Went to the Aus Consul in Denpasar and they helped him sort it out.
    • Just reading all that is enough to make you want to just lie down and have a sleep. Good luck.
 

Step 1 – Confirm Eligibility

  • ✔️ You’ve reached Age Pension age (currently 67).
  • ✔️ You meet the residency rules (generally 10 years in Australia, 5 continuous).
  • ✔️ You understand the pro-rata rule (full pension only with 35 years’ residence between age 16–67).
Step 2 – Gather Documents
You’ll need to prove:
Identity: Australian passport, birth certificate.
  • Residency history: details of when you lived in Australia (Centrelink may check with ATO, Medicare, electoral roll).
  • Income & assets: bank accounts, property, superannuation, investments.
  • Bank account in Indonesia: so pension can be paid directly in IDR.
  • Marriage/relationship details (if applicable).
Step 3 – Create or Log in to myGov
  1. Go to myGov.
  2. Link your account to Centrelink (you may need a CRN – Customer Reference Number).
  3. If you can’t access online, you can apply by paper form:
    • Form SA002 – Age Pension claim for a person living outside Australia.
    • Download at: Services Australia – Forms.
Step 4 – Lodge the Claim
  • Online: through your myGov → Centrelink → Make a Claim.
  • By paper:
    • Fill out SA002 and send to:

      Services Australia
      International Services
      GPO Box 273
      Hobart TAS 7001
      AUSTRALIA
      By phone(if you need help):
      • +61 3 9250 5159 (International Services, Mon–Fri, AEST).
      • Step 6 – Receive Payment


        Paid every 4 weeks(not fortnightly).
        • Paid direct into your Indonesian bank account in IDR (converted from AUD).
        • You’ll receive a letter/email confirming start date and amount.
        If you get stuck you could try the Australian consul in Denpasar. A fellow who was on the pension had it stopped. Went to the Aus Consul in Denpasar and they helped him sort it out.
    • Just reading all that is enough to make you want to just lie down and have a sleep. Good luck.
Is this a recent change ? I looked into this several months ago and from information on the Australian Government web site it stated that I couldn't claim from Indonesia as Australia and Indonesia have no " Social Security Agreement " as of November 2024 . Meaning I would have to return to Australia to process any claim and remain there for 2 years as per the "2 year portability rule " on pensions and other welfare payments . Only expats living in a country with a "Social Security Agreement " can claim from that country without having to return to Australia . Do you have a link to what you posted above .
 
Last edited:
Has Anybody claimed the Australian aged pension whilst living in Indonesia?
I would love to know the process.
Think you'll find you can't as Australia and Indonesia have no Social Security Agreement . You'll have to return to Australia to process any claim , convince them you've return to live permanently in Australia and if the claim is approved remain there for 2 years as per the 2 Year Portability Rule on pensions and other welfare payments . There are companies claiming to be able to process claims on your behalf but I think you'll find them nothing but a SCAM . Payment up front , contacts etc etc .
 

Countries WITHOUT an SSA (like Indonesia)


  • Indonesia does not have a Social Security Agreement with Australia.
  • This means you cannot apply directly through Indonesian authorities.
  • BUT you can still claim the pension from Indonesia — you just have to apply directly with Services Australia (Centrelink International Services).
    You can:
    • Download and complete the Age Pension claim form (SA002) from the Services Australia website.
    • Send it, along with certified copies of your documents, to:
      Services Australia
      International Services
      PO Box 7809
      Canberra BC ACT 2610
      Australia
    • Or, you can call them from overseas: +61 3 9250 5479.
  • You don’t have to physically return to Australia to lodge the claim. The only requirement is that you must have already met the residency rules (generally 10 years, with at least 5 consecutive years) before you left Australia.
 
In posting the above, social welfare departments often make amendments as pressure continues for governments to reduce expenditure. You might best call the +61 3 9250 5479 number before starting to make sure you can or cannot claim on line. Be prepared to wait 20 minutes or more for an answer.
 

Countries WITHOUT an SSA (like Indonesia)


  • Indonesia does not have a Social Security Agreement with Australia.
  • This means you cannot apply directly through Indonesian authorities.
  • BUT you can still claim the pension from Indonesia — you just have to apply directly with Services Australia (Centrelink International Services).
    You can:
    • Download and complete the Age Pension claim form (SA002) from the Services Australia website.
    • Send it, along with certified copies of your documents, to:
      Services Australia
      International Services
      PO Box 7809
      Canberra BC ACT 2610
      Australia
    • Or, you can call them from overseas: +61 3 9250 5479.
  • You don’t have to physically return to Australia to lodge the claim. The only requirement is that you must have already met the residency rules (generally 10 years, with at least 5 consecutive years) before you left Australi

Countries WITHOUT an SSA (like Indonesia)


  • Indonesia does not have a Social Security Agreement with Australia.
  • This means you cannot apply directly through Indonesian authorities.
  • BUT you can still claim the pension from Indonesia — you just have to apply directly with Services Australia (Centrelink International Services).
    You can:
    • Download and complete the Age Pension claim form (SA002) from the Services Australia website.
    • Send it, along with certified copies of your documents, to:
      Services Australia
      International Services
      PO Box 7809
      Canberra BC ACT 2610
      Australia
    • Or, you can call them from overseas: +61 3 9250 5479.
  • You don’t have to physically return to Australia to lodge the claim. The only requirement is that you must have already met the residency rules (generally 10 years, with at least 5 consecutive years) before you left Australia.
Where is the section regarding the " 2 year Portability Rule "which states you have to have lived in Australia for the 2 years prior to claiming or if you currently live O/seas in a country without a social security agreement you have to return to claim , prove you intend to live in Australia on a permanent basis again , provide proof of Australian bank account , rental/lease agreement et etc. Then if the claim is approved live in Australia for 2 years before the pension becomes fully portable and you can move back overseas and keep the pension .
 
I believe Nicho is correct. If you are residing in an agreement country, easy as. If not you must be in Australia to claim and remain for 2 years before pension becomes portable. I work there.
 
Hi all.
I will ask my initial question differently.
Is there anyone living in Indonesia currently receiving the Australian aged pension?.
I am aware of all the info that has been posted, (available on services Australia web) however if you are eligible for a portable pension (I have already lived and paid Australian tax for over 35years)from what I have read it may be possible to get around some of the stated rules and regs.
 
Yes. I have been receiving the aged pension living in Indonesia for 8 years. But I was also receiving this before coming to live here so not sure if I can offer any information other than that already posted.
 
Hi all.
I will ask my initial question differently.
Is there anyone living in Indonesia currently receiving the Australian aged pension?.
I am aware of all the info that has been posted, (available on services Australia web) however if you are eligible for a portable pension (I have already lived and paid Australian tax for over 35years)from what I have read it may be possible to get around some of the stated rules and regs.
There are thousand receiving the pension , but 99.9% of them were eligible for the full portability , on the pension and been living in Oz for the 2 years prior to receiving it before they moved here or have been through the headache of having to return to OZ . I'm in the same situation, worked , paid taxes for 39 years + in Australia , now 18 months off pension age and facing the headache of not knowing if I'll have to return to OZ and do the 2 years which by the services Australia web site say is mandatory or if any of these stories about being able to claim and receive the pension from here are true . From what I've read on the services web site , been told by other expats on here and other sites and Australian and overseas immigration , superannuation , pension businesses there's no way legally around the "2 year portability rule" and if your willing to cut corners or try and get around the rules and regs be prepared to suffer the consequences . There's an Australian Expat Services business advertising on F/Book claiming to be able to process claims for expats living here without them having to return to OZ , I've spoken to them several times but there not very willing to divulge how they get around the rules/regs that others can't , only saying they've done hundreds of successful claims and they have contacts ?? There business address is in Sydney , there banking details are in a small town on the Sunshine Coast / Queensland , they want full payment up front , they ring you on an Indonesian mobile number and any google reviews , the majority of which are negative are for a company with the same name in Saudi Arabia ??? Good luck and if you find a way myself and hundreds of others here and in other parts of S/East Asia would love to know how . CHEERS.
 
There are thousand receiving the pension , but 99.9% of them were eligible for the full portability , on the pension and been living in Oz for the 2 years prior to receiving it before they moved here or have been through the headache of having to return to OZ . I'm in the same situation, worked , paid taxes for 39 years + in Australia , now 18 months off pension age and facing the headache of not knowing if I'll have to return to OZ and do the 2 years which by the services Australia web site say is mandatory or if any of these stories about being able to claim and receive the pension from here are true . From what I've read on the services web site , been told by other expats on here and other sites and Australian and overseas immigration , superannuation , pension businesses there's no way legally around the "2 year portability rule" and if your willing to cut corners or try and get around the rules and regs be prepared to suffer the consequences . There's an Australian Expat Services business advertising on F/Book claiming to be able to process claims for expats living here without them having to return to OZ , I've spoken to them several times but there not very willing to divulge how they get around the rules/regs that others can't , only saying they've done hundreds of successful claims and they have contacts ?? There business address is in Sydney , there banking details are in a small town on the Sunshine Coast / Queensland , they want full payment up front , they ring you on an Indonesian mobile number and any google reviews , the majority of which are negative are for a company with the same name in Saudi Arabia ??? Good luck and if you find a way myself and hundreds of others here and in other parts of S/East Asia would love to know how . CHEERS.
Thanks Nicho.
I have also been in touch with the business you are talking about.they appear to be legit, registered with ASIC in Sydney.All my contact too and from them has been Aust designated sources.ph,WA email.they are also on the Web.
It sounds like I need to tread carefully going forward.
Can't help but think the 35 years residency rule surely overrides the 2 year rule.
 
Thanks Nicho.
I have also been in touch with the business you are talking about.they appear to be legit, registered with ASIC in Sydney.All my contact too and from them has been Aust designated sources.ph,WA email.they are also on the Web.
It sounds like I need to tread carefully going forward.
Can't help but think the 35 years residency rule surely overrides the 2 year rule.
Yeah , you'd think the 35 years , in my case nearly 40 of paying a percentage of our taxes into what we were told would provide us a pension would qualify and exempt us from this ridiculous 2 year rule . I bet a Politician who can retire well before the age of 67 , get the pension/golden handshake and all the perks and lurks that go with it without an assets test , get another job and live where they like is exempt . As for this Expat Services mob , until I see or hear of somebody "legit" that has used them successfully I'll stay on the fence . Cheers .
 
You could probably manage on the pension as a retired Australian parliamentarian or senator. The amount depends on the years spent. Here is a bit of a guide.
Estimated Annual Pension Entitlement*
MP/Senator under PCSS, with ~8 years service, no ministerial office~ 50% of base salary → approx AUD 110,000-130,000 (since base salary AUD 233,660)
MP/Senator under PCSS, with ~12-18 years service, having held some office (or ministerial roles)possibly AUD 200,000-300,000+ depending on how many years in high office
 
You could probably manage on the pension as a retired Australian parliamentarian or senator. The amount depends on the years spent. Here is a bit of a guide.
Estimated Annual Pension Entitlement*
MP/Senator under PCSS, with ~8 years service, no ministerial office~ 50% of base salary → approx AUD 110,000-130,000 (since base salary AUD 233,660)
MP/Senator under PCSS, with ~12-18 years service, having held some office (or ministerial roles)possibly AUD 200,000-300,000+ depending on how many years in high office
The average Australian probably could yes . But that's just there pension that the tax payer pays for , it would be near double that with all the perks and lurks they get on top . And look at the years of service !!! We've got to do a minimum of 35 years to qualify for a full pension then if we can't afford to live in Australia due to the cost of living and personal circumstances , divorce , redundancy etc we are hit with this 2 year portability law if we move overseas before the retirement age .They've got the nerve to make all these laws/rules they impose on us meanwhile making themselves exempt .
 
Just opened a post from a friend back in Oz . Australian Aged Pension qualifying aged has gone back to 65 , supposedly came into effect at the start of 2025 . It shows a link to www.edstandards.com.au /australian-aged-pension-age-drops-back-in-2025 . I'm yet to check the Services Australia web site to confirm this but if this is true I was eligible 6 months ago .
 
Hi all.
I will ask my initial question differently.
Is there anyone living in Indonesia currently receiving the Australian aged pension?.
I am aware of all the info that has been posted, (available on services Australia web) however if you are eligible for a portable pension (I have already lived and paid Australian tax for over 35years)from what I have read it may be possible to get around some of the stated rules and regs.
Hi , read my latest post regarding the qualifying age for the pension . Haven't check the services australia site yet . Hopefully they've removed this stupid 2 year portability rule as well .
 
Just opened a post from a friend back in Oz . Australian Aged Pension qualifying aged has gone back to 65 , supposedly came into effect at the start of 2025 . It shows a link to www.edstandards.com.au /australian-aged-pension-age-drops-back-in-2025 . I'm yet to check the Services Australia web site to confirm this but if this is true I was eligible 6 months ago .
Just checked services australia site . No mention of this anywhere on the site . Still shows 67 as qualifying age .
 
Just checked services australia site . No mention of this anywhere on the site . Still shows 67 as qualifying age .
At a time when the government is cutting back in health and care entitlements it seems unlikely that they would return to 65. And when you do qualify you will be now entitled to less if you have assets as it is reported today that the government has squeezed in this area also.

 
At a time when the government is cutting back in health and care entitlements it seems unlikely that they would return to 65. And when you do qualify you will be now entitled to less if you have assets as it is reported today that the government has squeezed in this area also.

Yes , sounding more like B/S the more I try to find out . The way it's going they'll push through the proposed law that expats already overseas before qualifying age won't get the pension at all and they'll raise the age again . Already been tried once .
 

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