Cakey25

Yes although in that time I came back to the UK to care for my terminally ill mother between March 2016- Sept 2017.. But I wasn’t working in either country obviously during this time, although I’m sure I submitted my tax return in Australia in these years. Something I can check. thanks for your time Ken much appreciated, I would lose my benefits within 6 months of leaving the UK. the costs of living here is nothing short of ridiculous the average energy bill is now meant to be around $7,000 a year!! Petrol is over $3 a litre and I thought food was expensive in WA… not anymore! I appreciate the benefits system here as I do the NHS but it’s not possible to live off $700 a month… I’m still waiting for appointments and actual payments of benefits. One benefit has a 22 week wait! My CFS/ME clinic appointment has an 18 week wait.. my friends hip operation.. 2 years! Soon there will be no NHS. everything is such a struggle just trying to maintain my health without getting too stressed with one thing and another. I am not sure where I am better off. I came home to be close to my siblings but since I’ve been back employment & wages is awful too.. Sorry feeling sorry for myself…thanks for reading

Hopefully! That would be a huge help! Id need to move back and try n see if I qualify for any benefits whilst trying to work a little too.

From what I understand no it’s not… seems they changed eligibility rules last year?

Thank you I will check these links out! yes I became a Australia citizen in 2014 after moving there as a PR in Jan 2009 but left Nov 2019. from what I can see to get a disability pension you need to have resided in the country for at least 10 years. hence I’m not sure if I will qualify and I can’t see what other benefits are available to help as physically I can’t manage to work enough to cover the costs of living.(in either country) as a single person.

Are you in the UK now? I was wondering why would you rather be here?

I am currently living in the UK after moving back here in Nov 2019. I am a Australian Citizen of roughly 10 years. Whilst in Australia I was told I had CFS but not sure I have many doctor records about it. Earlier this year after being in denial and managing okish health wise from lockdowns n not being at work I have been really poorly this year and again told I have CFS/ME. I can only manage to work 12-20hours… now if I want to move back what financial help can I get? Is it even possible? costs of living in the UK are ridiculous so I wouldn’t be able to afford to move back on my little bit of money to wait 4 years to be able to claim a benefit? is there any charities or support or advice I can get? How can I find out if they consider my time in Australia to a total of 10 years? thanks for reading, I don’t know how to find out the correct information.

The wait to be eligible for any benefits if I am correct is only available to those who are PR or citizen and have been resident in Australia for 4 years before applying. Some have the 10year rule.

Thank you....

Trying to find out clear answers on what counts as 'qualifying years' for Australian State pension and the UK. And if I end up in the UK when I'm due to retire will I get paid an Aus State pension if I am a dual citizen ?? I'm only 39 this year but at the moment, I have 12 qualifying years for the UK and have 10 for Aus with a 5 and then an 18 month gap in those 10 years.. so I don't qualify for either do I? thanks to everyone who answers! Much appreciated!