Retirees who are considering making a cruise ship their permanent home may see their pension entitlements reduced.<\/p>\n
Centrelink will change its payment rules from 20 September – and while the change benefits retirees taking longer overseas holidays, those planning to live on cruise ships long-term could still see their government support reduced.<\/p>\n
Cruising has gained popularity among Australians seeking a getaway, with a record 1.45 million Australians taking a cruise holiday in 2025.<\/p>\n
This is partly due to packages offered by cruise companies, with some including meals, accommodation, on-board medical care, cleaning, activities, internet access and other amenities.<\/p>\n
However, from September 20, retirees considering making a cruise ship their permanent home may risk having their Pension Supplement payments stopped.<\/p>\n
The Pension Supplement is an additional payment made on top of the base pension amount.<\/p>\n
The supplement is designed to assist with everyday expenses like utilities, phone, internet, and medicines.<\/p>\n
Under the new rules, if a retiree travels outside Australia temporarily, they can receive the full Pension Supplement for up to 12 weeks instead of the current six-week period.<\/p>\n
After 12 weeks, Centrelink will stop paying the supplement.<\/p>\n
If a retiree leaves Australia to live overseas, Centrelink will stop paying the supplement as soon as they leave.<\/p>\n
Domestic cruising<\/p>\n
Retirees planning cruises within Australian waters will generally not have their Age Pension affected.<\/p>\n
Payments will be paid as usual, as the retiree remains eligible and circumstances remain the same.<\/p>\n
For pension purposes, domestic cruises are usually classified similarly to other forms of travel within Australia.<\/p>\n
International cruising<\/p>\n
Retirees planning cruises outside of Australian waters will be classified as having left the country.<\/p>\n
For Age Pension recipients, the key factor is the holiday length.<\/p>\n
Those on a cruise longer than 12 weeks will continue to receive the Age Pension, but the Pension Supplement will be stopped.<\/p>\n
For a cruise shorter than 12 weeks, retirees will continue receiving both the Age Pension and Pension Supplement, as long as the retiree is still eligible.<\/p>\n
But retirees planning to be away for longer than 6 months may have their pension reduced depending on their Australian Working Life Residence, with different Age Pension rules applying.<\/p>\n
Cruising overseas? Know the pension rules<\/p>\n
Aussies planning a retirement getaway should notify Services Australia of their intention to travel before setting sail.<\/p>\n
If your Centrelink online account is connected to MyGov, you can inform Services Australia about your travel plans through their online service.<\/p>\n
If you can’t access your online account, contact the Older Australians line at 132 300 or visit your nearest service centre.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Retirees who are considering making a cruise ship their permanent home may see their pension entitlements reduced. 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