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+--- Thread: (Centrelink/Newstart) Going overseas, have to go to a Centrelink office? (/thread-63018.html)
(Centrelink/Newstart) Going overseas, have to go to a Centrelink office? - Little pot of crazy - 02-21-2013 06:23 PM
I'm currently receiving Newstart allowance and will be traveling overseas for a 3-week period. I informed Centrelink over the phone that I was going, knowing that I would have my payments suspended until I would return. The woman said something about having to go over to a Centrelink office the day before I go to inform them that I've told the call-centre that I'm going the very next day. When I asked why, she said something about reporting periods and receiving payments.
Perhaps someone in the know could tell me what this is about? I am completely aware that I am not receiving payments while I'm over there as I'm traveling for personal purposes... Do I still have to go to the Centrelink office? Why would I have to go (I originally thought it was just a call I had to make)?
Thank you so much!
-Sam.
- Scott - 02-21-2013 06:31 PM
Hi Sam!
I’m Scott and I work for the Department of Human Services in a team that responds to questions about Centrelink payments and services on social media sites.
The reason you need to come into a DHS service centre before you leave is to complete and lodge a Reporting Statement so you continue receiving your correct entitlement of support up until the date of travel. This can be done in a single visit, as long as it is the day before your travel starts.
It sounds like you’re already aware of how your payments will be affected while you’re travelling, but for anyone else reading this post, you can find information about preparing to travel overseas at http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/subjects/australians-overseas
There’s also some good information on how your payments are affected while you’re overseas, at http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/enablers/outside-australia
Hope this helps!