In Reply to: pensions etc posted by mnk on Saturday, 26. December 2009 at 07:39 Bali Time:
I have two friends on DSP both lived in Thailand for well over 10 years, One has to return to Australia every 12 weeks (used to be every 26 weeks) the other does not have to return to Australia at all!
Although I think its wrong as both are on DPS for depression reasons neither have ever been questioned about their time outside Australia and how they pay for it!
They even get Telephone,utility,and Pharmaceutical allowances while away.
There is a new rule where you must spend at least 2 years in any 5 in Australia but both have this rule waived just by applying for special leave of absence at the DPS.
My house is their mailing address and I email them any changes in leave rules sent to them.
You must have been very unlucky as I am center links contact person for both and the DPS has nothing but sympathy for them when I have to call even though they are quite blatantly rorting(sp) the system.