Leaving Australia temporarily

Most payments from Centrelink (except for certain pensions) can only be paid for temporary absences outside Australia. You must remain qualified for your payment while you are absent from Australia (that is, you continue to meet the normal qualification rules for the payment, your permanent home is still in Australia, and you are only absent from Australia temporarily, e.g. for a holiday or a visit). Most payments can be paid for up to 13 weeks while you are outside Australia temporarily, although some payments are more restricted than this.

How do I find out which payments are affected

The Payment outside Australia Table provides information regarding how long you can get your payment if you are absent from Australia temporarily.

Outside Australia and can't return to Australia as planned

If you are nearing the end of your time outside Australia when your Australian payment can continue, and you can't return to Australia as planned due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g. serious illness), you should contact Centrelink International Services as soon as possible.

If you are in a country with which Australia has a Social Security Agreement, and you are receiving Disability Support Pension, Parenting Payment Single (and you are a widow/er), or Carer Payment (and you are caring for a pensioner partner), then you may need to complete the 'Certification of location in a country with which Australia has a social security agreement' form, and return it to Centrelink International Services before a decision can be made whether to continue your payment.

• Certification of location in a country with which Australia has a social security agreement form

More information

For more information about how long you can get your payment if you leave Australia temporarily, you can read the following factsheet:

• Are you leaving Australia? - provides detailed information on how your payments may be affected by an absence from Australia.