Can I claim pension if I move abroad?

Asked by: Miss Taya Lubowitz  |  Last update: June 7, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (13 votes)

Provided you've paid enough national insurance contributions to qualify for it, you can still claim your state pension if you live abroad.

What happens with my pension if I move abroad?

Personal and workplace pensions

If you're in a personal or workplace pension scheme, moving abroad shouldn't have any effect: your pension should continue to be paid in full. you're normally entitled to any rises regardless of where you live in the world.

How long can I get pension if I live overseas?

These agreements help retirees access government retirement benefits without interruptions when they move abroad. If you do not meet the 20-year threshold, OAS payments will stop if you are outside of Canada for more than six months after the month you leave.

How long can I stay overseas without losing my pension?

Services Australia outlines the following: If you're overseas for up to 6 weeks — Generally, your pension payments will continue as normal if you're travelling for less than 6 weeks. If you're overseas for more than 6 weeks — Once you reach 6 weeks, your pension supplement will drop to the basic rate.

Can I still collect social security if I move out of the country?

If you leave the U.S., we will stop your benefits the month after the sixth calendar month in a row that you are outside the country. You can make visits to the United States for specific periods of time, depending on how long you've been outside, to continue receiving your benefits.

What happens to my UK pension when I move abroad? | Harrison Brook

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Can I live overseas and still get my Australian pension?

Claiming Age Pension when you live overseas

If you live in a country that has a social security agreement with us, you can claim an Australian payment from there. You'll have to meet all the qualification rules to be eligible for Age Pension.

How long can I stay abroad without losing my pension?

Pension Credit

This may be extended up to eight weeks if you're away because of the death of a close relative. If you're going abroad for medical treatment, you may be able to receive Pension Credit for up to 26 weeks. You can't keep receiving Pension Credit if you move abroad permanently.

How long can I get the pension and live overseas?

If you get NZ Super or Veteran's Pension and plan to go overseas for 26 weeks or less, your payments may continue while you're away. If you're delayed and return to NZ after 26 weeks, we may still be able to help.

What happens to your CPP and OAS if you retire abroad?

Because CPP is a "member-contributed plan" it will always be yours, regardless of where you live in the world. If you paid in at least 1 CPP contribution, you are entitled to a benefit. OAS, on the other hand, comes out of the general tax revenues.

Do you lose your pension if you leave?

No, you generally don't lose your vested pension if you quit, but what you keep depends on your plan's rules, vesting period, and your choices; you can often roll it over, leave it, or cash it out (with potential taxes/penalties), but if you leave before meeting the plan's vesting requirements, you might forfeit some or all of the employer's contributions. The key is being vested, meaning you've worked long enough to earn the benefit, and then deciding whether to leave it in the plan, roll it into an IRA, or take a payout. 

How do I notify the UK government of my move?

You need to contact your local council if you move or retire abroad, and give them a forwarding address.

Will I lose my pension if I move to another country?

If you have a final salary or defined benefit pension, it's best to speak to a regulated financial adviser about your pension options if you're planning to move to another country. Transferring one of these pensions to another country may result in you losing out on the guaranteed income that it offers.

Can I still get my pension if I move abroad?

You'll need to contact the International Pension Centre to move your State Pension abroad. Also, if you're getting Pension Credit, it'll stop if you move abroad permanently. If you're moving abroad to receive medical treatment, you may still be able to receive this benefit for up to 26 weeks.

Can I claim benefits if I move abroad permanently?

Yes, most Americans living abroad are eligible to receive U.S. Social Security retirement benefits. According to the Social Security Administration, U.S. citizens who qualify for benefits can receive payments in most foreign countries without interruption.

How long can I stay outside Australia Centrelink?

After 6 weeks your payment will stop. This includes when you're going on a cruise into international waters. If you return to Australia before your payment stops but then leave again within 6 weeks your payment will stop. In some circumstances you may get it for more than 6 weeks.

Do I have to be living in Australia to get a pension?

You usually need to be an Australian resident and in Australia to claim Age Pension. However, social security agreements may help you claim if you're living or have lived and worked in certain countries. If you get Age Pension, you may need to take steps to claim a pension from another country.

What happens to my Australian super if I retire overseas?

Australian living overseas can only withdraw from their super if they satisfy one of the following conditions of release: They reach preservation age (60 years old), and retire. They turn 65, regardless of employment status. They are permanently incapacitated.