58,000 Aussies in caravans get payment clarity under Centrelink’s latest update
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If you’re one of the tens of thousands of Aussies who’ve swapped bricks and mortar for the freedom of life on the open road, you’re in good company!
According to the 2021 Census, more than 58,000 Australians call a caravan home, and nearly 30,000 more live in cabins or houseboats.
With the rise of the 'grey nomad' lifestyle—especially after the pandemic nudged many of us to explore our own backyard—there’s never been a better time to hit the road and see what this beautiful country has to offer.
But if you’re relying on Centrelink payments, you might be wondering: does living in a caravan, boat, or relocatable home affect your Age Pension or other entitlements?
Let’s break down the latest advice from Services Australia, clear up some common myths, and help you make the most of your well-earned retirement, no matter where you park your wheels!
Caravan Living and the Centrelink Assets Test: What’s the Deal?
First things first: if your caravan, boat, or relocatable home is your principal place of residence—meaning it’s your main home, not just a holiday escape—it’s generally exempt from the Centrelink assets test.
That’s right! Whether you’re parked up in a caravan park, moored at a marina, or rolling from one outback town to the next, your home on wheels (or water) won’t count against your Age Pension or other Centrelink payments.
Why? As Services Australia’s Justin Bott explains, 'You own the home, but not the land it’s on or the mooring the boat is at.'
So, you’re considered a homeowner, but your caravan or boat is not counted as an asset for pension purposes.
Here’s where it gets interesting. If you don’t own the land or water your caravan or boat is on (for example, you’re paying site fees at a caravan park or mooring fees at a marina), you may be eligible for Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA).
This extra payment can help cover those ongoing costs, making life on the road a little easier on the wallet.
But if you do own the land or water (up to two hectares around your home), that area can also be exempt from the assets test.
The catch? You won’t be eligible for Rent Assistance in that case.
Retirement Villages and Over-55s Parks: A Special Note
Things can get a bit tricky if your caravan or relocatable home is in a park that’s advertised as a retirement village or is strictly for people over 55.
The rules around assets and eligibility can be different, so it’s essential to check with Services Australia or seek advice if you’re in this situation.
What Is Counted as an Asset?
While your main home (even if it’s a caravan or boat) might be exempt, Centrelink will still look at other assets when assessing your eligibility for payments. These include:
The Rise of the Grey Nomad: Why More Aussies Are Hitting the Road
Caravanning and life on the move have experienced a surge in popularity, with over 800,000 registered recreational vehicles in Australia and approximately 1.5 million people caravanning each year.
For many, it’s about freedom, adventure, and making the most of retirement.
As regional tourism operator Jan Coleman told the ABC, 'There are a lot more families on the road permanently. They’ve given up their home, they’ve pulled their children out of school, they’re homeschooling, and they’re just travelling. Whether it’s because they are sick of being in lockdown or whether they’ve realised that life really is too short.'
Tips for Navigating Centrelink as a Caravan Nomad
Happy travels, and remember: the open road is yours to explore—without worrying about your pension!
Have you had any surprises (good or bad) with Centrelink and your payments? Share your experiences, tips, or questions in the comments below.
Read more: Is your caravan safe? 'We thought there was going to be an accident'
According to the 2021 Census, more than 58,000 Australians call a caravan home, and nearly 30,000 more live in cabins or houseboats.
With the rise of the 'grey nomad' lifestyle—especially after the pandemic nudged many of us to explore our own backyard—there’s never been a better time to hit the road and see what this beautiful country has to offer.
But if you’re relying on Centrelink payments, you might be wondering: does living in a caravan, boat, or relocatable home affect your Age Pension or other entitlements?
Let’s break down the latest advice from Services Australia, clear up some common myths, and help you make the most of your well-earned retirement, no matter where you park your wheels!
Australians living in movable homes not on owned land are classified as homeowners by Centrelink, with dwellings excluded from the assets test and payments left unaffected. Credit: SimonSkafar / iStock
Caravan Living and the Centrelink Assets Test: What’s the Deal?
First things first: if your caravan, boat, or relocatable home is your principal place of residence—meaning it’s your main home, not just a holiday escape—it’s generally exempt from the Centrelink assets test.
That’s right! Whether you’re parked up in a caravan park, moored at a marina, or rolling from one outback town to the next, your home on wheels (or water) won’t count against your Age Pension or other Centrelink payments.
Why? As Services Australia’s Justin Bott explains, 'You own the home, but not the land it’s on or the mooring the boat is at.'
Here’s where it gets interesting. If you don’t own the land or water your caravan or boat is on (for example, you’re paying site fees at a caravan park or mooring fees at a marina), you may be eligible for Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA).
This extra payment can help cover those ongoing costs, making life on the road a little easier on the wallet.
But if you do own the land or water (up to two hectares around your home), that area can also be exempt from the assets test.
The catch? You won’t be eligible for Rent Assistance in that case.
Things can get a bit tricky if your caravan or relocatable home is in a park that’s advertised as a retirement village or is strictly for people over 55.
The rules around assets and eligibility can be different, so it’s essential to check with Services Australia or seek advice if you’re in this situation.
What Is Counted as an Asset?
While your main home (even if it’s a caravan or boat) might be exempt, Centrelink will still look at other assets when assessing your eligibility for payments. These include:
- Financial investments (bank accounts, shares, managed funds)
- Home contents, personal effects, and vehicles (yes, your car counts!)
- Real estate (other than your main home), annuities, income streams, and superannuation pensions
- Business interests (sole traders, partnerships, private trusts, and companies)
Caravanning and life on the move have experienced a surge in popularity, with over 800,000 registered recreational vehicles in Australia and approximately 1.5 million people caravanning each year.
For many, it’s about freedom, adventure, and making the most of retirement.
As regional tourism operator Jan Coleman told the ABC, 'There are a lot more families on the road permanently. They’ve given up their home, they’ve pulled their children out of school, they’re homeschooling, and they’re just travelling. Whether it’s because they are sick of being in lockdown or whether they’ve realised that life really is too short.'
- Keep your details up to date: Make sure Centrelink knows your current address (even if it’s a caravan park or a PO box).
- Understand your entitlements: If you’re unsure about your eligibility for Rent Assistance or how your assets are assessed, contact Services Australia or speak to a financial counsellor.
- Document your living situation: If you’re ever asked to prove your principal place of residence, keep records of where you’ve been staying and any site or mooring fees you’ve paid.
- Plan for the future: If you’re thinking of buying land or a permanent site, consider how this might affect your payments.
Happy travels, and remember: the open road is yours to explore—without worrying about your pension!
Read more: Is your caravan safe? 'We thought there was going to be an accident'
