Reporting Income to Centrelink when Overseas
I am in receipt of the Age Pension and dutifully report my wife’s work income each fortnight. As a result I receive a small part pension.
The last few times we have travelled overseas (1 to 3 weeks) I have received an online letter from Centrelink saying that “because your or your partner's circumstances have changed you no longer need to report your income......” etc etc. And they pay me a FULL pension.
I cannot report my wife’s income! On return to Australia another online letter arrives telling me that I need to commence reporting income, etc etc which I dutifully do. Is this normal? Why would I get the full pension because my wife and I are out of Australia? My wife reckons if they tell you you no longer need to report then so be it. Take the money!
Was your wife still paid while she was overseas? Does she work casually or full time etc?