Note: This is an estimate based on the AWLR 35-year rule. Actual rates are determined by Services Australia and may vary due to Means Testing, Social Security Agreements, and specific supplement eligibility.
function calculatePension() {
// 1. Get Input Values
var currentPension = parseFloat(document.getElementById('currentPension').value);
var years = parseInt(document.getElementById('awlrYears').value) || 0;
var months = parseInt(document.getElementById('awlrMonths').value) || 0;
var duration = document.getElementById('overseasDuration').value;
// Validation
if (isNaN(currentPension) || currentPension = REQUIRED_MONTHS) {
proportionalFactor = 1.0;
estimatedRate = currentPension;
noteText = "Since you have 35+ years of Australian Working Life Residence, your rate is generally not reduced proportionally.";
} else {
proportionalFactor = totalUserMonths / REQUIRED_MONTHS;
estimatedRate = currentPension * proportionalFactor;
noteText = "Your residence is less than 35 years. Your rate is calculated as: Current Rate × (" + totalUserMonths + " / 420).";
}
}
// 5. Display Results
document.getElementById('result-area').style.display = 'block';
document.getElementById('statusResult').innerText = duration === "short" ? " 26 Weeks";
document.getElementById('monthsResult').innerText = totalUserMonths + " months";
// Display factor as percentage
var percentage = (proportionalFactor * 100).toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('factorResult').innerText = percentage + "%";
// Final Amount Formatting
document.getElementById('finalAmountResult').innerText = "$" + estimatedRate.toFixed(2);
// Update Note
document.getElementById('calcNote').innerText = noteText;
}
Understanding Age Pension Portability
For many Australian retirees, the dream of retiring abroad or spending extended periods overseas is highly appealing. However, the Australian Age Pension is subject to specific "portability" rules that determine how much you can be paid while outside Australia. This Age Pension Overseas Rate Calculator helps you estimate how your payments might change based on your residency history.
The 26-Week Rule
The most critical threshold for overseas pension payments is the 26-week mark.
Less than 26 weeks: Generally, your Age Pension is paid at your normal rate. However, certain supplements, such as the Energy Supplement, may stop immediately when you leave the country.
More than 26 weeks: Once you have been outside Australia for more than 26 weeks, your pension payment becomes subject to the "proportional rate" calculation based on your Australian Working Life Residence (AWLR).
What is Australian Working Life Residence (AWLR)?
Your AWLR is the amount of time you have been a permanent resident of Australia between the age of 16 and Age Pension age. It is measured in months.
This metric is crucial for long-term travelers or those retiring overseas. It acts as a measure of your contribution to the Australian tax system during your working life.
The 35-Year Requirement
Since July 2014, the requirement to receive a full Age Pension rate after 26 weeks overseas is 35 years (420 months) of Australian Working Life Residence.
If you have 35+ years AWLR: Your rate should not be reduced proportionally, though it is still subject to the income and assets tests (which may change if you are no longer a tax resident).
If you have less than 35 years AWLR: Your pension will be paid at a proportional rate. For example, if you lived in Australia for 17.5 years (half of the required 35 years), you would receive approximately 50% of the standard rate.
International Social Security Agreements
Australia has international social security agreements with over 30 countries (such as New Zealand, Canada, Italy, and the USA). If you live in one of these agreement countries, you may be able to use your period of residence in that country to help meet the AWLR requirements.
This calculator estimates the rate based on Australian residence alone (autonomous assessment). If you are moving to an agreement country, you should contact Services Australia directly as your entitlement might be higher.
Factors That Reduce Payments Immediately
Even before the 26-week mark, your payment might change:
Energy Supplement: Usually stops the day you leave Australia.
Pension Supplement: If you leave permanently or for more than 6 weeks, the Pension Supplement generally drops to the basic amount.
Rent Assistance: Generally stops if you are overseas for more than 26 weeks, or immediately if you give up your Australian home.