The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

7.1 Portability of payments & concession cards outside Australia

Introduction

This chapter details the policy for portability (1.1.P.310) of payments and non-cancellation of concession cards when a person is outside Australia (1.1.A.320).

Portability refers to a person's continuing entitlement to an Australian social security payment while outside Australia.

Non-cancellation of a concession card refers to a person’s continuing entitlement to an Australian concession card while outside Australia. This can also be described as portability of a concession card.

The portability or non-cancellation period varies depending on the payment or concession card. Portability and non-cancellation rules by payment and card type can be found in the portability table (7.1.1).

However, these rules do not apply to payment recipients who are covered by an international social security agreement (7.1.5).

Last reviewed: 22 September 2025

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