surfersj

How true . Thought it was a two year wait when we applied but took four years and seemed like an eternity. However now we are here enjoying the lifestyle and climate but more important being near the grandchildren. Glad we applied when we did. Was going to hold off but now seeing the current wait time we are so lucky.

I have worked for almost 50 years in the UK paying NI and retired to Australia and you think it’s fine that I don’t ever get an annual increase but it’s ok for retirees going to Spain or the USA

Only looking for the same annual increase in the state pension that I have earned just as someone retiring in Florida or Spain would get

Thank you Skani. Are you aware of the "work bonus" and how this may affect the calculation?

We are more than 8 years away from this even being relevant for us! But in the meantime having looked further on Centrelink website and other internet sources it looks like two separate calculations are done - one for income and one for assets - and the one that gives the lowest result (least pension) is the one that is used. For assets, the home that you live in is not included. Your car and other possessions are included but at a value much below market value. And, more for Aussies, your Superannuation value is included. So unless you are a millionaire or have a property portfolio etc for most UK expats it would likely be the income test that is used to calculate entitlement. For savings, Centrelink will calculate income from interest earned together with UK state pension and any private pension income before arriving at a figure. From what I can see, the maximum age pension for a couple is $37,000 but you would only receive the maximum if your income as a couple was below $8,200 per year. So, effectively you will get nowhere near this amount as a couple on the UK state pension earn about $30,000 plus potentially a private pension. The income level whereby you are entitled to zero age pension is $82,000 for a couple. I am not totally clear how they calculate your entitlement when earnings amounts between the lower and upper limits of $8200 and $82000 The above is my own interpretation and as usual, need to do your own research or get professional advice to be sure.

We are a married retired couple from Scotland who migrated to Queensland on a CPV 18 months ago. Much as we knew the situation about our UK state pensions being frozen I think this is a disgrace - because we moved to Australia and not for example Spain or Florida where we would benefit from annual pension increases. More so having contributed to NI for 47 years. However I guess rules are rules! I have read on this forum that we are entitled to the Australian age pension after 10 years of permanent residency but subject to income and assets assessment. Can this really be true?? Why should Australia help us out when our UK government cannot? In a reverse situation would the UK government consider giving an Australian expat living in the UK, a pension in retirement?

Congratulations!

The only slightly stressful part was the medicals or waiting on the outcome - we both have underlying medical conditions but everything obviously turned out fine.

We applied July 2015 Actually received the request for the 2nd VAC May 2019 when we were in Brisbane on vacation. Will never forget that moment reading the email in the presence of our daughter and letting her know that our visas were being granted. We paid the balance, sold our house and moved to Brisbane October 2019 During the 4 year wait we had to update OZ immigration on various changes - new passports, family bereavements etc but found everything we had to do fairly straightforward thankfully.

We found the forms straightforward and decided to do them ourselves. Visa granted July 2019 with no issues, so in our experience, go it alone and save on the agent fees

Great news yesterday - our CPV143 now granted!! Original application 23rd July 2015. Additional documents requested December 2018 and submitted January. Our visa application was accepted 10th May pending payment of 2nd VAC. Paid 2nd VAC on 3rd June and visa granted 5th June.

Thank you Ken, that was very helpful.

I am aware that when moving from the UK to Australia my final UK tax obligation for that year allows me to earn the full tax free personal allowance of £12,500 Even in a situation where I am potentially leaving the UK a few months into the tax year. However can anyone clarify if the same situation applies to the higher rate threshold of £50,000 i.e. am I allowed to earn up to this amount at the 20% tax rate before the 40% tax rate kick in. So, theoretically, I could leave the UK for OZ at the end of June and would be able to maximise my earnings for this 3 months and be allowed to earn £50,000 before the 40% tax rate kicks in?

Does anyone have any experience or recommendations on using GM Tax for tax planning advice for a new (retired) migrant arriving in OZ on a parental visa. I am looking for information and help with tax planning including affect of the UK/OZ double taxation treaty implications on my tax liability.

Fantastic news today! 2nd vac request received today! Lodgement date 24th july 2015 and request for info - medicals, AOSB and police checks and form 80 received mid december 2018 All details submitted to immigation mid January 2019