Widows pension
I am now 75 years of age recieving one half of the marrried rate aged pension
My wife is 66 years of age she is on Special benefit because of residence shortfalls not qualifying for the 10 year rule for an aged pension and the proposed 15 year rule in 2018 if its passed will make it even longer
My Question is this if I die before my Wife has completed the 10 year residence period,or 15 years proposed do I presume she will get no widows pension payable and she would have to try and survive on the special benefit solely?
This is a constant worry for me, my aged pension would cease of course,I have contributed taxes here for 45 years
I would think the best policy would be for her to go back to her homeland to her family and leave Australia because in reality she is not welcome here after i die because it would be too difficult to make ends meet if she decides to stay. I would welome comments
It has been announced that existing exemptions to the residency requirements will be preserved.
By the above, it would appear that your partner's will remain at 10 years ... as to the portability of the pension would very much depend on which country your wife comes from and what sort of reciprical rights are in situ.
As to worrying about it is not going to help to resolve the issue ...Raphael's advise is good in many ways.
Perhaps you should make yourself an appointment with a centrelink advisor who would have all the information in front of her with your details and should be able to give the information you need.
Think positive dolbt
you could have a healthy 15-20 year at least by which time your wife will be eligible for full pension